Leaving Warrington wasn’t a hard decision, says Chris Hill
Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com
Chris Hill says leaving Warrington wasn’t a hard decision and has revealed how England team-mate Jermaine McGillvary played a key role in his move to Huddersfield.
Hill, 34, will make his 500th career appearance this week.
He has been tipped for an international recall after an impressive start to the season with his new club.
And he has told Love Rugby League he has no regrets about turning down a new contract at the Wolves.
“The move to Huddersfield came about when we played Huddersfield at Warrington. I tried to bang McGillvary which was a bit stupid,” he reveals in this week’s Love Rugby League podcast.
“We had a bit of a wrestle in the tackle and then he got up and said ‘Do you fancy coming to play for Huddersfield next year?’ as I was trying to retreat the ten.
“I wondered what he was on about but then he texted me afterwards and said Watto’s (Ian Watson) been asking about you.”
Needed a change
Chris Hill says his move to Huddersfield has been a positive change, although his family has found it a little more difficult to adjust to.
“My kids still go to bed with a Wolfie toy and put their Warrington shirts on. My little girl still asks me when Wolfie will be mascot at Huddersfield. She just doesn’t get that it is different. I just needed that change.
“Leaving wasn’t a hard decision. I had made it earlier on in the year. I knew Steve Price, Lee Briers and Andrew Henderson were leaving. There was a big turnaround in players and I just thought my time is right.
“I could have stayed, they offered me a year. Huddersfield took the gamble on two years. I knew in my head I wanted a fresh start and something different and I have no regrets at all.”
DOWNLOAD: Listen to the Love Rugby League podcast here
Powell needs time
Despite the big change in personnel at the Halliwell Jones, Hill admits he did not expect Warrington’s poor start under new boss Daryl Powell, with just three wins in their first seven Super League games.
“I’ve been surprised by their struggles this season given the signings they made. But Powell has only just come in so might need to tweak things.
“There might be players not wanting to play his systems or whatever. So he might need 18 months to switch it around, it’s not going to come overnight but there’ll be a bounce back at some point.
“They have a team full of internationals.
“It will hurt that they are struggling. They are very passionate fans. Warrington is Warrington Wolves. Wherever you go it can be tough, especially when you are not doing well. If you are having a brew with your mate or a meal with your missus it can be tough.
“Warrington is a bubble. I didn’t really understand that when I was playing there. I’m out of that now and it’s helped me with my game.”
Hill made 297 appearances for Warrington after joining them from Leigh ahead of the 2012 season.
