CHAMPIONSHIP

Class act Hardaker can Steel the show

ZAK HARDAKER is already looking better than when he won Man of Steel. That’s the warning to Super League – and England’s World Cup opponents – from team-mate Luke Gale. The pair took part in the first of six international training days yesterday as England prepare to take on the world in the autumn. And Hardaker is aiming to put his troubled past behind him by winning back his international shirt. But it’s Hardaker’s parent ® club Leeds, on Thursday, who Castleford half-back Gale feels need to worry first.

The Tigers face the Rhinos at home, aiming to make it three wins from three to stay top of Super League.

Gale said: “Zak is probably looking better than he was when he won Man of Steel two years ago.

“I cannot give him big enough raps because he is outstanding now but we know he’s going to get even better. He’s always been tough and good defensively but his passing game is coming on as well so he will be very dangerous this year.”

Hardaker was loaned to NRL side Penrith Panthers last June after Leeds’ patience ran out following a string of warnings about his off-field behaviour.

He was snubbed for England’s Four Nations campaign last autumn, with St Helens’ full-back Jonny Lomax getting the nod instead.

This year he is on loan at Castleford for the whole of this season, and Leeds say they are not interested in taking him back at the end of the year.

But Gale is convinced the hard-line approach taken by Leeds is already benefitting Cas as Hardaker tries to get his career back on track.

Hardaker was sensational in the 30-22 win over Warrington and Gale added: “That was one of the best performances from a full-back that I’ve seen in years.”

Meanwhile, England and Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary is facing up to six weeks out with a torn quad.