Hardaker launches stunning case for defence

After missing six games with a fractured thumb, Super League’s reigning ‘Young Player of the Year’ made a hugely-involved return to action to help Brian McDermott’s side defeat Warrington Wolves 
28-22 on Sunday evening.

With 33 tries in just 56 games for the champions, the exuberant Hardaker is normally more acknowledged for his attacking skills, a devastating combination of pace, footwork and finishing prowess making him a formidable strike weapon.

However, it was his defensive resolve which came to the fore in the Grand Final re-match as the England international somehow denied Stefan Ratchford with one outstanding tackle and then thwarted Micky Higham, too, as determined Leeds protected their line with zeal.

Considering there would have been lingering question marks about the strength of that hand, his instantly commanding display, which also included a breathtaking run to help set up position for Paul McShane’s try, was all the more remarkable.

“Macca told me to try and get my nose blooded up in the first 10 minutes to try and get that game mentality back in and I certainly did that,” explained Hardaker.

“I looked to get a carry or two early in the game and that set the tone for the rest of the match.

“We had to hang in there at points but, after being out for so long, that was great.

“As for those tackles, I do think try-saving tackles are just as good as scoring a try.

“You’re preventing the points going on the board and I think that was key against Warrington – not just from myself but other lads too – stopping a few and it proved crucial.

“It’s just as important and, come Monday when I get in, I do like to look at them on video.

“It gives me some self-confidence and I’m happy to have been able to contribute.”

Although it is only April, Hardaker – absent since sustaining the injury against Salford City Reds on February 15 – admitted the contest had the feel of a Grand Final occasion in its intensity.

“We knew Warrington would keep coming and keep coming so it was important to start big,” added the 21-year-old.

“It was really beneficial to get some early points, go on and then try to keep the lead.

“They really tried spreading the ball in the last 15 minutes and a few of the lads were blowing, running all over, trying to get the ball back off them.

“It got tough towards the end but we hung in there and that’s what good teams do.

“It was a good effort from all the boys to back up from the Easter period and play a team like Warrington.

“We had to be really good and it showed on the pitch that we were.”

Leeds, who entertain London Broncos again at Headingley on Friday, returned five points from a possible six over that Easter period.

Given that the sequence included the usually tense derby against Bradford Bulls, a trip to face a Catalan Dragons side that had not previously lost a regular home round of Super League since last July and then, finally, the Challenge Cup holders, it was an impressive tally.

Ryan Hall’s immense finishing proved vital once more, the prolific winger coming up with two implausible tries when most people among the 15,059 crowd thought he was destined to be barged into touch.

Twice he somehow held off Joel Monaghan to crucially just touch down in the corner and Hardaker was in as much awe as everyone else over his England colleague.

“When he weighs 110 kilograms or whatever it is he weighs, he can do that,” said the former Featherstone Rovers player.

“He’s got fantastic hands. He’s got a better grip with one hand than I’ve got with two.

“When he bumps people off like that he’s difficult to stop and all credit to him. He finished them in brilliant style.”

In fairness, the overall level of Leeds’ performance served as a warning to the rest of Super League.

They were missing a plethora of key forwards yet, with Jamie Peacock continuing his stunning form up front, never gave the Warrington pack an inch.

McDermott’s side are now level with Warrington in fourth, four points behind leaders Wigan Warriors yet with two games in hand over all their leading competitors.

“We were looking at Warrington and thinking they’d be hoping for a big start and a big 20 minutes,” Hardaker continued.

“We realised they’d be hoping to put some points on the board so it was really good that we turned that around and did the same to them.

“I was just happy to be in the game and playing to be fair.

“It’s been a frustrating time being injured so to be there in the middle of it all with the lads was great and to walk away with the win was very pleasing.

“There was no problem with the thumb at all. It feels like I never actually broke it and it was only a little stiff afterwards.

“Now it’s onwards and upwards for London. We have to back up what we’ve just done.”

[email protected]