He is formerly of the Featherstone Rovers in the Kingstone Press Championship, and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the Super League competition.

He played rugby league for amateur club Cottingham Tigers and signing for Hull KR aged 18.

[4] In 2009 he was named Man of Steel for the Championship and also led the Barrow Raiders to the league title and to the National Rail Cup Final.

[5] Ellis was also part of the Championship All Stars team in 2009 after having an incredible season with Barrow.

On 14 June 2019, Ellis came out of retirement to fill in after injuries to York's three hookers[7] On 8 November 2024 it was reported that he had signed for Goole in the RFL League 1.