Joe Hill – climbing back into ITM Cup rugby

Jubilee Cup hero Joe Hill speaks casually of his career, yet the Jim Brown medal winner proves to have a happy knack of making an impact when it matters most.

The OBU goat’s two-try-hero of the Jubilee Cup final versus Marist St Pat’s kept his purple patch alive last weekend as the Wellington Lions kicked off their championship campaign with a tight 19-12 win over Taranaki, the reigning Premiership champions.

His recent try-scoring feats have all come at the right time; it was only three seasons ago that OBU were contesting the Hardham Cup final- a game where he scored a brace once more- now, fast-forward to 2015 and the Premier side he has toiled with for many years have been crowned Jubilee champions.

And much deserved champions at that. The Goats went through the Jubilee undefeated and held out an ever-strong MSP side in the final. Hill’s two tries making a major difference to the result. However, the humility of the man would never suggest his feats were the difference.

“It’s just the team really, I don’t know, a bit of the right place at the right time”, Hill said.

As far as OBU’s rapid rise in the past few years, Hill puts that down to the core group of players staying together as integral to their success.

“I think with the players who stayed on from the Hardham there was a good group of players with a great balance and culture.

“Knowing our roles and game plan, also getting our combinations sorted finally made us click”, Hill believed.

The OBU unit was a staunch one in 2015; a compromising forward pack gave the talented backline the impetus to put on complete performances weekly.

“Our defence was the main thing that put pressure on other teams which our loosies and locks worked really hard on and made it easier for us on the outside, our whole forward pack was pretty unreal around the field and on defence, making solid tackles and going forward.”

Joe Hill’s exceptional form of late and obvious talents saw him rewarded with a starting role in Earl Va’a’s Lion’s setup. The team and coaching staff will be hoping his recent run of try-scoring continues long into the season.

However, like any good winger, Hill’s ability to seek work and understand his role in the team is where his real talent shines bright, although there is still room for improvement in his eyes.

“Locking down my role and doing whatever I can while working hard is what I need to focus on.
“Role clarity and knowing what I need to do is important for me.”

Hill resides on the Kapiti Coast with his young family, who are his main priority, family time being the most important aspect of his life. He still looks back on his College days with fondness.

Born and bred in the Kapiti Coast, Hill took the opportunity at Wellington College, one that would go on to further his sporting prowess, and a hefty commute.

“The McEvedy shield for athletics was huge but most of the 1st XV games against the big schools like St Pat’s Town and Silverstream were huge, and also the Quadrangular tournament”, Hill said.

Now, an injury-free Joe Hill has established himself in the Lions for a season where they’ll look to regain a spot in the Premiership competition next season.

If the Taranaki result is any indication it seems the Lions are on an upward curve and a positive season should beckon.

“It was a bit of relief for the boys after the game after what happened last year.

“It’s always pretty positive here, great bunch of guys and good team culture, so going forward it’s looking pretty good.”