Zak Hardaker believes his impressive form in 2015 merits a chance as England’s first-choice full-back for the Test series against New Zealand later this year.
A series of impressive performances for Leeds this season has led to a debate over whether Hardaker can oust the New Zealand Warriors star Sam Tomkins from the full-back berth he has occupied for the last five years and, after being in what he describes as the form of his career, the 23-year-old believes he is now worthy of an opportunity after a number of indiscretions earlier in his career – including his exclusion from the England squad during the 2013 World Cup.
“It’s definitely the best I’ve played,” Hardaker said. “I thought I played pretty well last year and I was hoping that would have been enough to get me a place in the England starting team when it mattered for the Four Nations but it wasn’t to be. I was in the squad and didn’t quite cut it when it came to the team – but my form is better than last year and I’ve put myself in the right place now, and hopefully I’ll get rewarded for that.
“But right now I’m just focused on my job at Leeds and that’s being the best full-back I can be, and if that gives me the chance for England then I’m definitely ready now.”
He added: “I’ve not said much about it because I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot or start stirring anything, but this year I reckon I deserve the chance to at least have a go in one of the Tests and show what I can do at international level because I haven’t had the chance yet.”
Hardaker’s form received some recognition recently when the England coach, Steve McNamara – based 12,000 miles away in Sydney with NRL side Sydney Roosters – sent him a message to congratulate him on his recent performances after a man-of-the-match showing against Warrington last month. “I was a bit shocked at first,” Hardaker said. “I showed it to my mum and it put a little smile on her face. My performance that night was particularly good so I’m glad he watched that one.
“With me playing full-back all year and the competition we’ve got in the wing and centre spots my ambition is just to play for England at full-back. But I’d play in any position if that’s what it came down to.”
Hardaker will be looking to catch McNamara’s eye again on Friday when Leeds look to maintain their four-point lead at the top of Super League when they travel to Hull FC. The Leeds coach, Brian McDermott, will rest several senior players as the club prepare for next weekend’s Challenge Cup final, but Hardaker is not interested in a night off before the Wembley showdown with Hull KR.
“I’ll definitely be keen to play,” he said. “I like to be play as many weeks as possible; I’m only 23 so I want to be involved as much as I can, I think my body will stand up to it. People talk about the danger of playing the week before Wembley and possibilities of things happening but you just have to get on with it.
“It can be difficult to try and put Wembley to the back of your mind; last year we went through a bit of a lull but we’ve got great motivation to finish top this year. Last year we weren’t in the same position that we are now and there’s a real different feel to last year.
“Hull are a good team and they like to throw the ball around,” he added. “To win away at St Helens last week was no easy feat as we know ourselves, so to go there and get the two points will always be difficult regardless of what’s on the horizon.”
