Got to adapt: Hardaker

Zak Hardaker training 2020
  • Wigan centre Zak Hardaker looks ahead to Thursday’s Betfred Super League encounter with Hull KR.
  • Hardaker: “We’ve got to be ruthless.”
  • Hull Kingston Rovers vs Wigan Warriors, Thursday 3rd September, Emerald Headingley Stadium, K.O. 6pm.

Centre Zak Hardaker believes the Wigan Warriors squad are adapting well to the new challenges thrown up by the 2020 Betfred Super League season.

Speaking ahead of their Round 11 tie versus Hull KR on Thursday, the 28-year-old suggested that the Cherry and Whites have coped with the rule changes and Covid-19 related disruptions successfully so far.

He said: “We haven’t been at a ten-out-of-ten or a nine-out-of-ten, but we can see that as a positive because we are grinding out wins.

“All the boys have come back from the break either as fit as they were or in some cases slightly better off. Ultimately that has meant the changes have been fine for us. It won’t suit some teams and will suit others, so you’ve just got to adapt.”

Hardaker has scored one try and kicked 35 goals so far this season.

Specifically addressing how they have coped with the new rules thus far, the centre explained: “It’s quite different. We as a team try and keep the ball in play as much as possible anyway.”

Last weekend’s victory over Castleford was notable for the fact that until midweek, Wigan were due to play Catalans. However, due to positive Covid-19 tests in the Dragons camp, the Tigers became the replacement opposition.

With the very likely scenario that more fixtures will be moved around in the 2020 season, Hardaker expressed how focusing on their own style of play – rather than that of any particular opposition – has become crucial in training.

Wigan sit 1st in the table, while opponents Hull KR are 11th.

“We just need to be us, be Wigan Warriors. We’ve got to be ruthless.”

On this week’s opposition Hull KR, he said: “I think they are playing a good brand of rugby that’s easy on the eye.

“We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing, we’ve not been too flashy, just running hard and tackling hard. Against Hull KR it’s got to be the same.”

Can you chip in just £1 per week to support our Academy? Join Lotto now and that’s where all the proceeds go… once we’ve paid out some huge weekly prizes! Click here to find out more…

Wednesday 02 September 2020