ANDY ELLIS has returned to York City Knights until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old hooker comes into contention for Sunday's visit of Rochdale Hornets, with the Knights looking to quickly get their play-off push back on track.

Ellis began his career with Hull KR in 2003 aged 19, going on to score 18 tries in 50 appearances, and lifting the old Northern Rail Cup in 2005 with victory over Castleford.

He then starred for Barrow during a brief golden era for the Cumbrians, taking them up to the Championship and being named that tier’s Man of Steel after leading them to the 2009 title and the National Rail Cup final, scoring 53 tries in 94 games during three seasons with the Raiders.

Ellis then had nearly three years in Super League with Harlequins (eight tries in 39 games) and Wakefield (10 games) before moving to Featherstone, initially on loan, in 2012, helping them top the Championship that year and again 12 months later.

He briefly retired at the end of 2015 to concentrate on teaching but returned and went on to play 24 times in 2016, including in all seven matches in the Middle Eights. He played 120 times in all for Rovers, notching 29 tries.

He hung up his boots again, but Knights head coach James Ford convinced him to join the new-look Knights revolution in March 2017, and was instrumental in their memorable 2018 Betfred League One title-winning campaign.

Now, with all three hookers injured, Ellis has answered Ford's call to return.

“I am delighted that Andy has agreed to help us through this hectic schedule," Ford said. "We trained on Tuesday without a recognised nine and although none are long-term issues, it was certainly a concern.

“Andy has agreed to help us and the team out. It’s a great fit as he knows our systems, terminology and philosophies. He’s a vastly experienced player who will be a great boost.

“He’s really well thought of on and off the field and I’m looking forward to coaching again.”