The Great Britain back-rower made his comeback from injury as a substitute in last weekend's Carnegie Challenge Cup win at Harlequins and will continue in the side at home to his former club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats tonight.

Ellis broke a thumb in the defeat to Wigan Warriors on April 5, but didn't have the injury diagnosed until suffering an ankle injury early in the following week's win over Warrington Wolves.

"It is frustrating sitting on the sidelines watching, but in the bigger picture, now I am back I can look at it and think it might be a bit of a blessing in disguise, getting a rest at this stage of the season," said Ellis.

"Hopefully now I can kick on and build some form and help us achieve what we've all set out to do.

"Hopefully that's my rest over with now. Other lads might get their chance later in the season, but I need to kick on now."

All Leeds' senior specialist second-rowers have been injured at some stage this season, but Ellis said: "I think that's just a coincidence, but I think we've coped with it really well.

"The young lads that have stepped in have done a great job for us and some of them will be disappointed to lose their place, they've been playing so well.

"That's great for the long-term future of the club, without a doubt. Leeds is renowned for it, churning out talented young players year-in and year-out.

"We've seen the new breed and everyone's excited about what they can achieve and the bright future Leeds has."

Ellis described injuries as "part and parcel" of the game. He added: "I think every club in Super League's had their injury worries and injury crisis, that's what the squad's all about. You have your 25 players-plus and that's what they're there for, to do a job."

Wildcats are another team who have coped remarkably well with a host of injury problems over recent weeks.

Ellis – a former Wakefield skipper – said: "They are in good form and they're playing very well.

"It's testament to any team that can play well under a bit of adversity. That's what they've got at the moment.

"They have got a few injuries, but key players are stepping up and playing very, very well. It is going to be a tough game and one that I am personally looking forward to."

Wildcats half-back Danny Brough's recent form has marked him out as a Man of Steel contender – and one of their main threats this evening. "He is probably the form scrum-half in Super League at the minute," said Ellis.

"He is kicking teams to death and that's what he'll be trying to do to us.

"His kicking game will be vital for them and we will have to come up with a plan to counteract that. It should be a great contest, they all are. It is great for the fans, but for us it's just nice to be winning.

"We've slipped up a couple of times, but we're in good stead.