Castleford Tigers halfback Ryan Hampshire admits it was a difficult decision to leave Wigan to go on a year-long loan to Cas.
But he says he’s determined to make the most of his long-awaited chance in the team.
With Ben Roberts absent due to injury, Hampshire made his debut for the Tigers during Sunday’s game against Salford, starting at stand-off alongside Luke Gale in the halves.
The youngster made no secret of his desire to have a permanent run in the halves in the coming years, and says he backs himself to make the transition at his new club.
“It’s been a long time since I started here at Cas,” he said.
“I’ve been just getting used to the systems here and I’m really excited now to get the chance.
“I came here to get that chance at six – I’m going to have to take it now, no two ways about it
“It was a difficult decision. I won’t explain in depth what made me make the decision but I’m confident in what I’ve done and I’m backing my ability to do it here at Cas.”
Hampshire also revealed he’s had no contact with the Warriors after leaving them at the start of this season.
He said: “No, I’ve not really spoken to them. They have kind of left me to it. They will probably be checking my clips but I’m not fussed.
“I’m a Cas player this year.”
And Hampshire says he already feels like his game has developed at Castleford under the tutelage of Daryl Powell.
“I’ve learned a lot of things since I came here,” he revealed.
“They’re little things, but they end up being big things when you do them in a game.
“One of the main reasons I came here was that Cas have three people (on their coaching staff – Powell, Danny Orr and Ryan Sheridan) who have played halfback in the past.”
The Tigers have a huge period in and around Easter on the horizon, with a crunch clash against Leeds on Easter Thursday followed by a trip to Perpignan to face Catalans on Easter Monday.
“It is a big month. It’s a big period for us as a team,” said Hampshire.
“We’ve got to get fresh for the next game and perform and perform over and over again. It’s a challenging time, but one we’re looking forward to.”
