Powerhouse prop Steve Hill has returned to Huntington Stadium to bolster the York Wasps pack.

Hill, who joined Sheffield Eagles from Wasps in 2000, has re-signed for Leo Epifania's men, bringing experience and skill to the front row.

The 25-year-old was the supporters' player of the year in his final season at Huntington Stadium but left for Sheffield because he wanted a new challenge after three years with Wasps.

The former Castleford forward turned down offers from York, Batley and Doncaster to go to the Don Valley Stadium but he has now agreed terms to return to his home-town club.

"He will bring a lot of strength to the club," said Wasps chief executive Ann Garvey.

"He's an excellent prop with a lot of experience for his age. He was a good player when he left but I feel sure he's improved a lot since going to Sheffield.

"It's our intention to continue to build the team. We're just looking for the right players and I am sure he's the right sort of player we're wanting.

"He's an excellent club man and was popular with the fans. The last time he was here he did an excellent job with sponsorship and things like that, and we're delighted to have him back."

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, although his characteristic driving runs which terrorised defences saw him touted as a future Super League star.

"He left Wasps because he wanted to better himself and he was offered better terms than we could afford at the time," added Garvey.

"There was no ill feelings and we wished him all the best."

Updated: 12:04 Thursday, January 10, 2002