Chris Hill reaping the rewards of Huddersfield switch

Chris Hill is reaping the rewards of joining Huddersfield as the international forward looks set to make his fifth Challenge Cup final appearance this Saturday.

Hill, 34, had been with Warrington for a decade and featured in the Wembley triumphs of 2012 and 2019. 

He made the switch to the John Smith’s Stadium ahead of 2022 on a two-year deal. And in just his first season under head coach Ian Watson, Hill is heading to the Challenge Cup final with the Giants.

He will be hoping to play his part in history as Huddersfield look to end a 69-year wait to lift the prestigious cup once more. 

Chris Hill on making the move and Challenge Cup final

“Last year I had a chat with my wife and said ‘I think it’s time for a change’,” Wigan-born Hill said.

“I weren’t enjoying it as much. So, I thought it was time I moved on. I took myself out of my comfort zone, such as travelling to training which I’d never done before.

“It was with a new group of lads. I only knew Watto, Jez (Jermaine McGillvary) and Leroy (Cudjoe). It was a case of throwing yourself in at the deep end.

“I didn’t know how it was going to go but I wanted to challenge myself.”

With four cup final appearances already under his belt, Hill will spend the week passing on tips to his young team-mates and urging them to enjoy the occasion.

“You’ve got to enjoy it because you don’t know when the next one is coming,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to have played in five. Jez has been here 11 or 12 years and this is his first.

“You’re a long time retired so you’ve got to enjoy moments like this, the week’s build-up.

“We had a good session this morning. Everyone was buzzing and said ‘enjoy it because the week goes that quick and the game is even quicker’.”

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