Chris Hill has had no time to dwell on Warrington's Grand Final defeat as he prepares to bring down the curtain on a memorable debut season in the big league.
So much has happened to the Wigan-born prop forward since he made the move from part-timers Leigh to Super League big guns Warrington 12 months ago that he has yet to take stock. He adapted so effortlessly to the step-up that he was named in the 2012 Super League Dream Team and voted the Wolves' player of the year.
The high spot of the year came when he made his England debut against Wales in Wrexham last month and, after winning his second cap against France on his 24th birthday in Hull last Saturday, he is expected to keep his spot for Sunday's final against the French at the Salford City Stadium.
"Winning my first international cap was a special moment for me and my family," said Hill. "It's up there with the Grand Final appearance and the Challenge Cup win."
Hill's best efforts could not prevent Warrington going down to Leeds in the Super League title decider at Old Trafford last month, a defeat he has had little time to reflect on.
"We jumped straight into South Africa," he said, referring to England's training camp in Potchefstroom.
"You don't forget about it but it's like everything for me this year. I've always gone from one thing to another and never really had time to soak it all in.
"It's been pretty hectic in our house, too. We've a baby due at the end of January and we're moving house.
"We're actually living with my girlfriend's parents because our house won't be ready until the middle of December.
"At the end of all this, we'll have a good week away - me and the girlfriend and the little lad - and probably take it all in."
