POWERFUL South African prop Brett Ellis has arrived in town to prepare for the 2006/07 season with Widnes Rugby Union Football Club.

Ellis has played the game at a high level and he could be the first of a number of newcomers for Lee McDermott.

Widnes aim to hit the ground running in September and McDermott is wasting no time in getting everyone fully fit and prepared for the campaign that lies ahead.

Despite the 2005/06 campaign only finishing four weeks ago, official pre-season training began on Thursday as the team attempt to bounce back after the disappointment of relegation from Powergen North Two West.