Whitehaven RL have once again secured the services of second rower Ellis Gillam as the Cumbrian signed a one year deal until the end of 2020.
Barrow born Gillam who first signed for the club for the 2018 season after previously being with Warrington Wolves being the academy captain made a positive impact scoring 7 tries in 28 appearances.
Gillam joined Rochdale Hornets for the start of 2019 and made 14 appearances scoring one try before returning to the Recreation Ground mid way through the season making his debut in a crucial home victory over Oldham. Gillam made 5 appearances in Haven colours at the back end of the season.
Speaking about wearing the Chocolate, Blue and Gold next season Gillam said "It takes leaving to appreciate what you have and how much more enjoyable it is when you are playing with a group of mates. I learned that last season and when I got the chance to come back part way through the season I jumped at it. We are a very tight knit group and we look out for each other. That means you enjoy playing your rugby and everyone including coaches and backroom staff buy in to the same goals. I love the club and the fans and enjoy my time here so it was an easy decision to sign again. Charlo, Jonty and Macca all help to improve my game. I think we will surprise a few teams next season. We expect it to be tough but are confident that we can survive the challenge."
Assistant coach Jonty Gorley spoke highly of Gillam saying "He is only young but is a quality back row and a player with great attributes on and off the pitch. Like Ethan he came to us part way through the season and although we had back row cover we couldn’t miss out on a talent like Ellis. He had been at Haven before playing in the Championship and I saw in his first session back with us that his fitness levels were good and he fit right in with the squad. To have him back at the club for another year is a great bit of business by the club."
