Hull have named new signing Gareth Ellis as their new captain ahead of the new Super League campaign.

Ellis, 31, who joined Hull on a three-year contract from NRL side Wests Tigers, will take over the role from Andy Lynch.

Hull coach Peter Gentle said: "Andy has done a great job for us in a testing year at times but we felt that we were going into a new era for the team and a fresh start for everyone and Gareth seemed like the perfect candidate.

"He is a strong character, a natural leader and instils a culture around the club that we feel is very important and, having seen how he has fitted into the squad, we felt he was a natural captain."

Ellis will lead his new team for the first time in next Friday's Super League opener against former club Leeds Rhinos.

He said it would be a "very special moment" when he leads his team out at Headingley.