NRL: Ellis stays with Tigers

Some NRL stars are complaining about their lives in the NRL, but Wests Tigers second rower Gareth Ellis says lifestyle is precisely why he's agreed to extend his contract through to the end of 2013.

When the English international originally signed to come out to Australia last year he intended it to be nothing more than a brief stint.

But Ellis decided three years wasn't long enough, and has signed a two-year extension which will take him through until the back end of his career.

Despite his initial reservations about how long he'd last, Ellis said ultimately, he didn't even bother talking to other NRL and Super League clubs, and the decision to remain a Tiger was easy.

"If I'm honest, I'd thought it would just be for the three years and then go back home," Ellis admitted.

"Probably just because I didn't know what to expect, and I thought I'd go out there and do my best and come back.

"But as it is I'm really enjoying it ... and I didn't see any reason to go back and always regret not staying over that little bit longer.

"To be honest, I didn't look anywhere else. I'm happy with the club and the way they've looked after me and the family.

"The biggest thing was my partner and I both recently had a little baby boy ... so we're just out here looking to enjoy the lifestyle side of things."

Ellis' other main incentive for staying in stripes was his desire to win a premiership and his belief that the Tigers have the team to do it.

His uncompromising work ethic has added a crucial element to Wests' chances, who have been guilty of failing to get their hands dirty in past seasons.

"That's one of the things why I'm here is to win a premiership. I definitely think the club is headed in the right direction ... we all want to achieve our potential," Ellis said.

It's already been predicted that his countryman, Souths forward Sam Burgess, will become the best English import to ever come to Australia, but Tigers coach Tim Sheens said Ellis is the one who has proven himself so far.

"I think he's already held in that regard to be quite honest," Sheens said of Ellis, who will face up against Burgess this Sunday at the SCG.

"I think young Sam has a long way to go just yet before you can say he's mastered the NRL.

"One year doesn't make a player ... and Gaz has been here and has proven (himself) week in and week out."

The English rugby league, meanwhile, is angry that Burgess won't be released from club duties to play in their June 12 test against France in Leigh.

Ellis is keen to play in the match, but even though the Tigers have a bye the corresponding weekend, Sheens said there's no guarantee the second rower will be released.

"In principle, I don't think the club is against it," Sheens said of Ellis, who is looking forward to at least leading England in the end of year Four Nations Tournament.

"It's a matter of the health of the team at that point and also his health. And from Steve's (CEO Steve Humphreys) point of view, covering any contractual issues."

- AAP