England coach Steve McNamara has confirmed the fitness of Wests Tigers forward Gareth Ellis for the upcoming Four Nations series.

The former Wakefield and Leeds second rower was thought to be in some doubt after his NRL club coach Tim Sheens suggested in August that he would need groin surgery at the end of the season.

But McNamara today drafted the 30-year-old Ellis into his train-on squad preparing for the matches starting next month against Australia, New Zealand and Wales.

"We are delighted that Gareth is fully fit and available for the Gillette Four Nations," McNamara said.

"It is a massive boost for the whole country and will add real strength to our pack.

"He's had a groin problem but he has changed his rehabilitation program midway through the season and he is fine now and looking forward to being part of our preparations.

"Gareth has been in tremendous form in the NRL and has produced some stand-out performances during this campaign.

"He will join up with us next month, when the full squad reports to Loughborough ahead of the tournament starting."

McNamara will announce his 24-man squad on Monday, October 10, but South Sydney prop Sam Burgess has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

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