CHRIS Hill is applauding Wolves’ recruitment drive for 2016.

Warrington’s vice-captain and player of the year, who helped England conquer New Zealand with a third-Test triumph, is already ‘buzzing’ about getting into the swing of pre-season training.

When he does – after a hard-earned short break – he will have eight new squad members for company.

Ten departures since this time last year and eight new arrivals is the biggest merry-go-round since Wolves’ move to The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2004, coming on the back of a third season without silverware.

“We’ve not had such a big change in my time here and maybe that’s what it’s needed for the last couple of years and it’s time now that it’s happened,” said the 28-year-old former Leigh Centurions prop, who first pulled on primrose and blue colours in 2012.

Prop forward Jordan Cox’s arrival last week follows the catch of imports Chris Sandow (scrum half), Kurt Gidley (full back/stand off), Mitchell Dodds (prop) and Benjamin Jullien (second row/centre), along with English talent Jack Hughes (second rower), Tom Lineham (winger) and Joe Westerman (back rower).

“We’ve strengthened in the areas we needed to and it is well done to the club and everyone involved for getting that done,” added Hill.

Spotlight has been on the front row, with Wolves known to have been turned down by Huddersfield’s Tongan international Ukuma Ta’ai, and the exits of Paul Wood, Roy Asotasi and Anthony England over the past 10 months.

Hill, also buoyed by the arrival of Jon Clarke as head of strength and conditioning, said: “We’re more than capable of covering the front-row position, with Mitchell Dodds coming over from Brisbane, George King who I think will step up massively for us in 2016 and don’t forget we’ve got Ben Evans now coming back to full fitness after being injured for much of last season.

“Then there’s Ashton Sims and myself. I think it’s looking good.”

Cox has now added to that competition for places, putting pen to paper last week.