WARRINGTON Wolves international prop Chris Hill has agreed a new and improved five-and-a-half-year deal keeping him at the club until November 2019.
The club is delighted to have secured Hill, 26, on an improved long-term contract, which follows on from his new deal last October.
It comes on the back of his form in last year’s Internationals, his first-class performances so far this season and following recent interest by NRL clubs. He is recognised as one of the in-form props in the British game and Super League; he had been an ever-present in the forwards until he was rested last weekend.
He’s currently the club’s top tackler with 514, metre-maker with 2208 and 289 carries. This work rate in metres made and number of carries also sees him sitting fifth in the Super League standings.
The hard-hitting prop earned himself a call-up to the England international set-up following his move to the Super League. He represented his country in last year’s Rugby League World Cup and is on course for the Four Nations this coming autumn.
Hill signed for the Wolves ahead of the 2012 season from Championship side Leigh Centurions and made his Warrington debut in February 2012 earning heritage number 1099. He’s now in his third season and has gone on to make 85 appearances to date, powering over for 11 tries.
Hill said on his new deal: “I am delighted to have signed again at Warrington. It was a tough decision for me and my family with the temptation of the NRL but the decision is right for us and I’m fully committed to the Wolves. I love it here at the club. With Tony staying on and Richard Agar coming in next year – who coached me at Under 18s with England – I’m looking forward to my many more years here. There’s a great bunch of talented players and we’re adding to it well too with the recent signing of Ashton Sims.”
Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith added: “Chris is a fantastic asset for Warrington Wolves. Since joining the club he has progressed to be one of the best British players in the game. His willingness and hunger to improve is first class.
“If there has been a better performer in Super League on a consistent basis I’ve yet to see them. Not only is Chris a great player, but he is a quality young man and a great role model for our young players.
“Due to Chris’s performances at both club and international level It comes as no surprise that there was interest from the NRL. To secure Chris for a further five and a half years is not only a coup for Warrington Wolves but a real boost for Super League.”
Meanwhile Smith has named his 19 man squad to visit Hull FC on Friday evening as they bid to make it nine straight wins.
The Wolves won the close encounter, 18-16, at The Halliwell Jones Stadium back in March.
Hull FC are currently sitting in tenth spot with Wolves still in the mix at the top end of the table on 24 points alongside three other clubs.
Both sides have a short turnaround this week coming in off Sunday fixtures last weekend. The Wolves secured a 50 points to 24 win over the Bulls and Hull claimed a draw against Wakefield.
Wolves Squad
10 Roy Asotasi
4 Ryan Atkins
3 Chris Bridge
17 Ben Currie
22 Brad Dwyer
19 Anthony England
18 Rhys Evans
15 Ben Harrison
9 Micky Higham
8 Chris Hill
33 George King
5 Joel Monaghan
20 Gareth O’Brien
29 Gene Ormsby
31 Joe Philbin
6 Stefan Ratchford
21 Glenn Riley
1 Matthew Russell
12 Ben Westwood
