GARETH Ellis says there is no way he'll let his testimonial get in the way of maintaining his high standards at Hull FC.
Ellis has been awarded a three-month testimonial by the RFL for his services to the game, an award he describes as a "real honour."
But, aware of the amount of time testimonials can take up and having seen some players struggle with their form across the game while taking on the extra responsibility of a testimonial, Ellis insists that won't be the case for him.
"This is a real honour and I feel really privileged to get a testimonial for services to the game, but it won't get in the way of my game," Ellis told the Mail.
"I've told my committee, it is the utmost importance that I do well for Hull FC and if ever anything threatens to be a distraction then it will have to be put to one side. I've made it clear it won't get in the way because playing at my very best for Hull is my only priority."
Ellis' testimonial events, which will now include an extra pre-season friendly for Hull in January, will run for three months.
The second row has today confirmed one of his major events, a Captain's Table dinner at Willerby Manor which is hoped will see almost all of Hull's living ex-captains come together under one roof.
From Johnny Whiteley, Steve Norton and Lee Crooks, to Karl Harrison, Sean Long and Andy Lynch, Hull are hoping to have a plethora of former captains in attendance.
The most notable attendee with be Hull's captain from 2002 to 2004, Australian legend Jason Smith.
"The fact Hull celebrate 150 years in 2015, we thought the idea of getting as many of the ex-captains together as possible was a great idea," added Ellis.
"It's a great honour for me to be captain of this club, a club with such great history and so many great captains. To be able to share a night with those players will be fantastic.
"The fact Jason is coming all the way over for the event makes it even more special and I'm sure fans will love hearing from and catching up with all the former captains."
The Testimonial Dinner, sponsored by DF Services of Hull, will be staged at The Willerby Manor Hotel on Tuesday March 24, 2015. It will feature a three-course meal, interviews with some of the ex-captains, legendary rugby league auctioneer Mick Morgan and compere David Howes.
Tickets are priced £40 per person, with any size of party welcome on tables of 10. To make a booking, email david@howesetc.co.uk or ring 07814 937642.
