WATCHING Wolves prop Chris Hill’s champagne celebrations with England on Saturday, it was a fitting way for his season to end.

The same can be said too for his Warringtonian former Wire teammate, Mike Cooper.

An all-too rare series win for the country rewards dedicated hard work of two men who have made incredible rugby league journeys, albeit on different paths.

It is easy to forget that only four years ago Hill, Wolves’ player of the year in 2015, was a part-timer in the Championship with Leigh Centurions while boosting his income as a personal trainer.

And Cooper’s senior England team contention, after representing his country at all other levels on the ladder, only eventuated after the former Latchford Albion junior moved to the other side of the world and proved himself in the Australian NRL competition with St George Illawarra Dragons.

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For ‘Coops’, making his England debut this campaign, it’s moments to savour – a friendly victory against France and two Test wins, plus a narrow loss, to the world’s highest ranked team New Zealand.

The decider at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Saturday was Hill’s 17th England appearance in four years.

He has not missed a game since joining the national squad for the Autumn Internationals in 2012 and has been setting standards throughout.

“One hundred per cent the occasion on Saturday feels like all the hard work and effort is paying off,” said Hill.

“I can go into my break now a happy man, knowing I’ve finished off the year on a high.

“Obviously we’re all disappointed with the season at Warrington not going the way we wanted, but Saturday was a nice way to finish.

“It’s probably one of the highlights of my career so far, if not the best along with the Challenge Cup win in 2012.

“Firstly getting an England shirt and then going on to win a series against the number one side in the world is what dreams are made of.”

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No way does Hill see Saturday as being the pinnacle though.

“I want to keep on playing consistently well for Warrington for many years to come,” explained the 28-year-old.

“I’ve got another four years here and I want to be at the top of my game at the club.

“I want to win the Challenge Cup again, there’s a Grand Final win I’ve not ticked off yet. Being a Four Nations winner is another, and being a World Cup winner too. There’s a lot I still want to do in this game.”

The Test series concluded with neither Wolves back rowers Ben Westwood and Ben Currie featuring on the field, though they did play their part behind the scenes.

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