Warrington players believe Jack Hughes will be a ‘great skipper’

Daniel Richardson

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Warrington recently announced that Jack Hughes will be part of a dual captaincy with Chris Hill this season and the back-rower believes he can thrive in his new role.

Hughes told loverugbyleague.com: “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s a massive honour and something I’m very proud of. I’m looking forward to partnering up with Hilly [Chris Hill] and supporting him in what’s been his role solely.

“I’m looking to make that bond really strong with him and drive the team really hard and hopefully that will get us some silverware this year. I do believe the role comes with a bit of added pressure but I genuinely believe it’s a position I can thrive in.”

The 27-year-old joined the Wolves from Wigan in 2016 and he signed a contract extension towards the end of last year which will keep him at the club until the end of 2022. Hughes made it clear he was focused entirely on the team ahead of the new season, he said: “I don’t really set out personal goals at the start of the year everything’s about Warrington Wolves first.

“Doing my best for them, being consistent for them every week and driving what we do here so that we get what we want at the end of the year. I believe the personal accolades and personal achievements come off the back of putting your team first.”

Although already a great leader, vice-captain Kevin Brown believes the England international will continue to grow in his role as captain, saying: “Hughesy [Jack Hughes] is going to be a fantastic leader.

“He’s still a young lad so the more he grows into that role, he’s going to be a great skipper. I think every year I’ve played with Hughesy he’s stepped up more and more and he’s one of them guys that when he talks, everyone listens.”

The new signings also seem impressed with the former Wigan player, with Australian forward Jason Clark stating: “He is a leader.

“I’ve only got to know Jack [Hughes] for two months now or what it is that I’ve been here and you can just tell in the way he talks and the way he carries himself that he’s here to do a job.

Discussing some of the praise he has received from his fellow team-mates, Hughes said: “To have the respect of your teammates is very good to have and to have the belief and trust from your coaching staff to give you the nod is something I’m very proud of.”