Ellery was in his 30s when Leeds signed him, had been through some serious injuries, was past his best and for me was still the best player ive ever seen play for us.
What he must have been like to watch week in week out in his prime at Wigan must have been absolutely incredible.
As Batley says he was limited in some aspects of his game, he only ever really ran to his right, he wasnt a great passer of the ball but he was so strong, athletic and for mental toughness couldnt be matched
Whether you played in a cup final or against Hunslet in a friendly Hanley was focused and ready to play. He would tackle for 80 mins and was a true match winner regularly.
In a 39-4 cup semi loss to Widnes one year, a total shambles of a performance, Hanley was magnificent. A couple of years later in 94 he won us a semi with 2 match winning tries v Saints.
When Dannatt broke his jaw at Hull Hanley was out for months, his 1st game back was against Saints at Knowsley Road. I remember thinking it will take time to get back into it. Leeds kicked off, Kevin Ward ran straight Hanley who dumped him on his backside. I remember thinking it didnt take him that long then. That was Ellery in a nutshell.
He was phenomenal every week. Just a true all time great. I believe i saw every game he played for Leeds and it was an honour to watch him.
Sam Tomkins in his prime was terrific, still good now. Hanley was different gravy tho. He was out of this world.
