Warrington Wolves man feeling benefits of handing over captaincy

Indeed, he says the pre-season training displays being turned out by the England prop are among the best he has seen during his time at Warrington Wolves.

Hill, 33, decided to relinquish his leadership role after five seasons in order to focus on improving his own displays with second rower Jack Hughes, with whom he has shared the captaincy for the past two campaigns, taking over full-time.

Price paid tribute to Hill for being able to put the team before his own individual status following “open and honest” discussions before Christmas.

He also backed new skipper Hughes to continue his growth as a leader during 2021.

Chris Hill in pre-season training

“He’s a guy whose leadership is stepping up and growing. He’s been fantastic since coming back for pre-season,” the Wire head coach said.

“Chris Hill’s pre-season has been one of the best I’ve seen since I’ve been here.

“He’s flying at the moment and it feels like there’s a weight been lifted off his shoulders.

“He’s showing his support not only to Jack but the guys around him.

“There were discussions I had with Chris and Jack pre-Christmas, which were open and honest.

“It says what type of bloke Hilly is. He’s the ultimate club man and that’s one of the reasons he’s been able to achieve so much in the game.”

Jack Hughes takes over as Warrington Wolves captain for 2021

2021 also marks Hill’s Testimonial year having been granted the honour by the RFL in tribute to his contribution to the game.

The Wire are set to face Leigh Centurions – the club from whom he joined Warrington back in 2011 – in his Testimonial match at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on a date to be confirmed.

The game will be played behind closed doors as per Covid rules – a demonstration of the challenges of trying to organise benefit events amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“It’s been difficult for him, for Mike Cooper as well with his Testimonial last year as he couldn’t get as many events in as he planned,” Price said.

“Hopefully we can get as much as possible in for Hilly. It’s a special achievement for someone who has been at our club for a long time.

“He’s still got plenty of goals and aspirations he wants to achieve this year.”