Castleford Tigers have confirmed the signing of former New Zealand centre Jake Webster and Hull FC scrum-half Jamie Ellis for 2013.
 
The 29-year-old Webster, who was capped eight times by the Kiwis and a member of their triumphant 2005 Tri-Nations team, will join the Tigers on a three-year contract from Hull KR while Ellis rejoins his old Leigh boss Ian Millward on a two-year deal.

Webster signed for the Robins in 2008 from the Gold Coast Titans and made his 100th appearance for the club in last Friday’s defeat by Catalan Dragons, scoring his 40th try.
 
He will help fill the void created by the departure of Joe Arundel to Hull while the Tigers last month confirmed the return of England centre Michael Shenton from St Helens.

Millward said: “I was looking for a specialist centre with experience and Jake ticks both boxes. He is a damaging runner and can create fear in opposition’s attack with his defensive qualities.

“I believe the paring of him and Michael Shenton, two specialist international centres, will be up there among the best in Super League next year.”

Ellis played under Millward at Leigh before joining Hull at the end of last season, but has made just 10 Stobart Super League appearances and was yesterday given permission to talk to other clubs.
 
“Jamie is a player I think has an abundance of talent,” said Millward. “He has a wonderful kicking game and is a player who has played regular Super League with Hull this year.
 
“He reminds me very much of an Australian-style half-back who likes to take the ball to the line.”
 
Webster and Ellis will play out the rest of the season with their current clubs before joining up with Castleford for pre-season training in November.