Ellis announced his retirement to his teammates after Maitland farewelled the sportsground with a character-filled 22-all draw against Central Newcastle on Saturday.

The Pickers legend told coach Trevor Ott of his decision during the week but opted to keep it  private so that the focus remained on the community’s farewell of the sportsground.

The fans came in their droves and probably more would have passed through the gates if they knew it was Ellis’ farewell, but it was team and club first as it had always been in PJ’s seven years in Maitland.

Ellis told teammates it had been a hard decision, but injuries had taken their toll and he could no longer enjoy the game.

A member of the Pickers Top 20 Players and a key part of Maitland’s 2010 and 2011 premierships, Ellis was Herculean in his efforts until the final whistle.

The Pickers almost snatched victory in the last minutes with a try by Luke Mercer, the second of a double. It levelled the scores at 22-all, but Kurt Aldridge narrowly missed the goal from the sideline.

Ellis said he didn’t know what to expect when he first came to Maitland seven years ago, but the club and the city had become a major part of his life and he would cherish the memories of his involvement.

“It hasn’t been easy but I think it’s time for me to move on. There’s some good players out there sitting on the bench and in reserve games and I think it’s my time to step aside and get those young fellows in,” he said. 

“These young blokes are going to take Maitland forward.”

“I want to thank the players, coaching staff and people around the club who have been here during my seven years.

“It’s been a really great journey. I didn’t know what I was walking into when I first came to Maitland. But I’ve grown to like the place and the people around the club.

“I’m an old school sort of bloke and I really enjoy getting around some of the older blokes. That’s what has really made me feel welcome. 

The Pickers managed to convert only one try, with regular kicker Josh Morrison sidelined with a shoulder injury, and the kicking duties shared by Aldridge and five-eighth Cal Edwards.

Maitland ran in five tries to four and were unlucky not to get home with a win.

A number of critical decisions went against them including claims by Pickers defenders that they had held up Centrals halfback Danny Kerr who was awarded the try which took the Butcher Boys to an 18-22 lead with 10 minutes to go.

Pickers coach Trevor Ott said his team had plenty of opportunities, but had made costly errors when they moved the ball too laterally in the second half.

“We needed to put more pressure on and get a bigger break when we were in control in the first half,” he said.

Ott paid tribute to Ellis and said that he had been a great servant to the club, not only in the 2010-11 premierships years but in the lean years since when injury was taking its toll on his body.

“I think everyone who has played with PJ knows just how professional he has been, what an inspiration he has been to his teammates and how much they have all learned from him,” Ott said.

Maitland 22 drew with Central Newcastle 22

Maitland Try Scorers: L Mercer 2, G O'Brien, PJ Ellis, J Afflick. Goals - C Edwards 1.

Central Newcastle Try Scorers: T Penny, D Kerr, E Cook, B Jarrett.  Goals - D Kerr 3.

Reserve Grade: Maitland 14 def Central Newcastle 12

Open Grade: Central Newcastle 22 def Maitland 14

Under 19: Central Newcastle 32 def Maitland 0