Friday Interview: Joe Wardle

Possibly not where the last British prime minister is concerned and certainly not as an engaging choice of wall paint.

However, when it comes to Huddersfield Giants’ head coach Nathan, there appears to be plenty of love for the vibrant Australian who has transformed the West Yorkshire club over the last three seasons.

The tenacious Joe Wardle became the latest young Giants player to commit his future there this week, the strong-running centre conceding most of his decision to sign a new two-year deal was down to the continuing influence his cerebral chief has had on his burgeoning game.

As a teenager at local rivals Bradford Bulls, Wardle had only made his Super League debut last season – ironically in a 52-6 destruction by his current club in June – but played just once more at Crusaders before an injury curtailed his progress.

There was an obvious talent present but, like so many promising hopefuls, it was uncertain whether it would flourish fully under the exacting demands of the professional game.

Brown liked what he saw, however, and persuaded him to make a move, perfectly happy to pay the compensation necessary to a club which had invested and fostered a player through its own Academy.

No one, though, not even the Huddersfield coach himself, would have expected the 19-year-old to since advance as quickly as he has.

Wardle will start for the sixth successive game when they head to fellow title hopefuls Warrington this evening and it is not because of any injury crisis or suspensions; he has simply earned his coveted place and warranted such regular inclusion.

At times, he has forced England centre Leroy Cudjoe – he of that outlandish flicked reverse pass of the season against St Helens – onto the wing while Michael Lawrence, another of their stellar youngsters, was glad to be used as a makeshift second-row in last week’s win over Crusaders, just to gain some action.

“I never expected to get this many matches,” Wardle told the Yorkshire Post.

“ I thought I might have a few here and a few there and I’d just show what I can do when I got the chance so I’m delighted that it’s gone so well.

“It’s just good to know Browny’s not scared to throw young guys in. That gives you a lot of confidence.

“I’m sure at other clubs, coaches would bring in older people to steady the ship but not here.”

The Halifax-born player admits the one-to-one tutelage from the ex-St George’s coach has enabled him to quickly mix it with the best of Super League’s centres, whether it be facing St Helens’ Francis Meli or the might of Wigan’s George Carmont.

Brown’s attention to detail has quickened his progress and he has been enlightened by the standard of teaching.

“His knowledge of the game impresses me most and how he can read the game,” continued Wardle, who scored his second try in nine Super League appearances against Crusaders.

“The reason I first wanted to come over to Huddersfield was because of Browny.

“I’d heard a lot about him through friends playing with Huddersfield who said how good he was and I thought it was the best move to better myself.

“He can figure out certain things that will happen – then they do happen – and the best ways of dealing with them.

“I’ve learned such a lot and he’s got a lot of time for everyone.

“He always caters for each individual in their own little way and finds the best way to get across to each other. It’s unbelievable.

“All the coaching Browny has given me and help from players like Kev Brown, Luke O’Donnell and Luke Robinson has made it easier; they’re always talking to me. I’d another one year left on my contract and didn’t really think about anything like this.

“I was over the moon and grateful for them offering. Now I just want to keep proving what I can do.”

One of his sternest tests so far will come at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this evening.

Huddersfield may hold the Indian sign over Warrington – knocked off top spot by Wigan’s midweek win over Castleford – having won the last three meetings between the sides but he has yet to encounter them.

Huddersfield will draw level with the Wolves in second if they make it four in a row but their billing as title challengers has been sullied following a convincing 46-12 defeat at champions Wigan a fortnight ago.

Their inability to cope with the champions’ class then left many doubting if the Giants have the wherewithal to be realistic Grand Final candidates.

“We were all gutted with the Wigan game,” admitted Wardle,

“We did not perform anything like we should have and so this is another test for us to go out and show everyone what we’re really capable of.

“We’re taking it week by week but the guys are hopeful of getting in to the finals of both competitions and we are enthusiastic about winning.”

Warrington are far and away the most prolific side in Super League, Matt King and Ryan Atkins being his latest first-class adversaries, which means Wardle’s biggest strength will be severely examined.

“I always focus my game on defence and stopping tries, making sure my side of the field is staying pretty strong,” he said.

“Attack you can always build on but I always like to set my mark in defence. Against Warrington, that is something which will always be tested.

“They have Brett Hodgson and Michael Monaghan as real dangers but we want to finish as high as possible so we know what’s at stake.”