Marq-ed man ZAK GETS A KICK OUT OF KING
EXCLUSIVE
ZAK HARDAKER admits he’s having the time of his life baiting NFL player Marquette King.
But the Wigan and Great Britain star also confesses he’s a little concerned – in case his Twitter rival actually takes up a challenge to go head to head.
Hardaker said: “I’m loving having a bit of banter every day and seeing how he’ll react.
“But he’s a big guy, really ripped and looks like a good athlete so if he decides to take me on I’ll have to back it up, just close my eyes and put everything into it.”
The daily sparring on social media started after King, 31, claimed he would dominate rugby easily.
Several stars from both codes have mocked his boast, pointing out that he would be lost without his helmet and pads.
But it’s Hardaker and Warriors team-mate Jackson Hastings who have vowed to get into his ribs every single day until he either puts up or shuts up.
“We’ve been pointing out that he just kicks the ball in the air for a living, wearing those huge plastic pads,” said Hardaker.
King, who has 144,300 Twitter followers, responded directly to the Wigan centre, calling his claim “cute” that he could flatten him in the NFL as well as Super League. Hastings also had one post on Instagram, poking fun at King’s kicking, deleted by the former Denver Broncos punter.
But the Warriors duo are still waiting to hear whether King fancies a “kick off and a run in a straight challenge” with Hardaker.
“Lots of people in the NFL, the NRL and the boys in Super League have been commenting on it,” said Hardaker, 28.
“It’s a bit of a craic and we’re just having fun. We’re stuck in isolation without much entertainment so this has been a laugh.
“And if it brings rugby league to the attention of the NFL and some of their fans then that’s great for our game.
“He’s got a huge fan base and some of them will now be wondering about rugby league and hopefully will want to see what it’s like.
“I’m not sure if he’s waiting for it to die down but we’re going to keep on at him every day.”
Hardaker admits he can’t wait for Super
League to kick off again in early
August, with official team training set to restart next month.
But the difficulties of coping with lockdown, and training alone, have been lifted by the best news of his life.
Hardaker said: “My girlfriend Elisha is pregnant and we’re happy, it’s very exciting.
“It means so much to us. Out of this rubbish year, something great has come out of it.
“The baby is due around December 22 and we just cannot wait.”
BIG CHALLENGE: Twitter rival King so