HE admits he was 'too choked up' to address fans during his final appearance on the Halliwell Jones turf at the end of this season.

But following an emotional few weeks which saw the former Warrington Wolves winger announce his move to Wakefield and the birth of his second daughter Eleanor, hometown hero Chris Riley has said he cannot thank supporters enough for the last nine years and has loved every minute of his time in primrose and blue.

He added: "I didn't really say much at the last game because it was such an emotional day and I didn't want to burst into tears in front of the crowd.

"I was left until last during presentations at the end of season awards and then when I was asked to speak I burst out crying in front of everyone.

"But I want to thank the fans for all their support through the bad times and good.

"They have watched me grow into a man and a first-team rugby league player and I've enjoyed every moment of it.

"Throughout the Challenge Cup victories, the League Leaders' shield and even the Grand Final defeats, the fans have always been fantastic and the best in Super League."

As the most decorated Warrington-born player in the club's history, the three-time Challenge Cup winner leaves having experienced highs including scoring at Wembley but things could have been a lot different after the Longford lad started out as a Wigan fan like his dad and Golborne granddad.

He switched his allegiances when he was nine-years-old to fit in with his Warrington mates when he started playing rugby in Dallam and never looked back after being picked by coach Paul Cullen to start at fullback when he was 17-years-old.

The fans' favourite admits he was very nervous on his debut and a 'bit fragile' weighing in at eight-and-a-half stone but had all his family and friends cheering him on in the stands before cementing his place in the side.

The prolific try scorer, who says his favourite memory was winning the Challenge Cup for the first time knowing how much it meant to the club and fans, added: "I grew up watching Mark Forster on the wing at Wilderspool and it's been pointed out a lot that people appreciate home grown lads playing and they wanted to do what I have done."

The dad to Eleanor, who is five-weeks-old and Isabella, aged four, is now looking to the future however including his wedding in 2016 to daredevil fiancée Jenny, who takes on a skydive later this month to raise cash for St Rocco's.

He added: "A lot of people walking around town have been saying how gutted they are I've left which is nice to hear but also puts a lump in your throat at times.

"It's been tough and there were times when I didn't think I would ever leave Warrington but I've got a family of my own to look after and have enjoyed my time at Wakefield which made it an easier move."

Visit justgiving.com/jenny-wilson44/ to show your support for Riley's fiancée's fundraising challenge.