Hill: Leigh promotion not guaranteed

Warrington captain Chris Hill says it’s not a fait accompli that Leigh will be promoted to Super League this year despite their high-profile signings.

A former Centurions player, Hill spent eight years at the club and made more than 100 appearances for Leigh. He joined the Wolves in 2012.

Leigh have recruited strongly in 2016 with the captures of Rangi Chase, Reni Maitua, Cory Patterson, Harrison Hansen, Willie Tonga and Dayne Weston.

Hill, who played for Leigh in Super League, would like to see his old club back in the top flight but believes it’s not a certainty.

“Definitely, but I don’t think it’s a given,” he told Love Rugby League.

“I thought it was a given last year. But they fell short.

“I know Micky [Higham] and that have really, really wanted to get into Super League but it’s not going to be a given as I know a lot of teams have recruited well.”

Leigh were heavy favourites to secure promotion in 2015 but faltered in the Middle 8s, winning just one of their final seven games.

Hill and Warrington will come across Leigh this weekend when they host the Championship champions at the Halliwell Jones.

The England international said it is always a memorable match when he takes on Leigh.

“It’s a special game for me,” Hill said.

“The Challenge Cup game was last year. But I think they’re a different kettle of fish this year.

“I think they’ll be really good and to lead us out with Micky leading them as well, he’s a good friend of mine Micky, so it’ll be interesting.”