OUT-GOING York Wasps favourite Steve Hill has spoken of his agonising decision to quit Huntington Stadium in a bid to rediscover his hunger for the game.
Supporters' Player of the Year Hill turned down offers from Batley Bulldogs and Doncaster Dragons, as well as York, to join ambitious Sheffield Eagles on a one-year contract.
He admitted it was a wrench to leave the Wasps but knew it was a move he had to make to further his career.
He told the Evening Press: "I've been at York for three years so it took some real decision making but I felt like I needed a new challenge.
"I think York have got the right man in charge in Lee Crooks but I wouldn't have done myself or the team any justice if I'd stayed because I felt I had gone stale.
"I spoke to the coach at Sheffield (Mark Aston). He's developing a good set-up and aiming for bigger and better things and I want to be part of that."
Hill was on the fringe of Castleford Tigers' first team when he joined York on loan in December 1997.
He still harboured hopes of earning a full-time contract with the Tigers but a year later signed a new deal with the Wasps.
His characteristic driving runs which terrorised defences saw him touted as a future Super League star.
But the modest 23-year-old revealed he had not been approached by any Super League clubs and believes he is still some way from achieving that dream.
"I hope that by playing in a stronger side it will help me develop the skills which I didn't get to use last year. I would like to think that I might play in Super League but I'm realistic and it depends on how I develop.
"I'm far from being at that standard at the moment so I have to put the hard work in."
Hill claimed the departure of fellow prop Rich Hayes and half-back Darren Callaghan had some influence on his decision.
He said: "I can't say it wasn't a factor. We lost Mark Cain towards the end of last season then Rich left and Daz Callaghan went with him. They lost three quality players.
"If they could have retained some of the quality players that have gone it might have made a difference but I also felt that I needed a fresh challenge."
Despite his decision to leave, Hill has good memories of his times at the Stadium and said: "I hope York do really well this year. The first two years I had there were brilliant although last year was a bit traumatic.
"But even with the financial problems it has always been an enjoyable time at York and I've made some good friends there."
The blow of losing Hill and Hayes could be tempered by retaining the services of powerful New Zealand front rower Michael Smith.
Chief executive Ann Garvey is still in talks with Smith's agent and is "90 per cent confident" they will agree terms.
Former York hooker Peter Edwards has signed a new two-year contract with Doncaster Dragons.
The Kiwi has made a big impact in his first year at Belle Vue, picking up the Man of Steel, Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year at the club's recent awards night.
dianne.hillaby@ycp.co.uk
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