STEVE HARDISTY has admitted taking over as the Huddersfield Giants’ Player Performance Manager is ‘a dream come true’.
Hardisty took over the role a month ago from Pete Riding, who was promoted to the position of Head of Youth Performance.
It’s a role Hardisty has had his eye on for several years.
And having now got his wish, he’s far from disappointed.
"It really is a dream come true," confessed Hardisty.
"I’ve wanted to work in player performance now for two years, so it’s brilliant I’ve got this chance.
"It’s important for the club to help the coaches. We talk about a performance pathway for the players but we need to have one for the coaches as well.
"I was confident to apply for the role and confident in the people who invested time in me last year, it’s really important that you look to develop your own coaches".
Now Riding and Hardisty have made the step up, the quality of staff in youth production has never looked so strong.
And having been given the opportunity to work alongside head coach Nathan Brown and his Super League staff, he feels he’s learning something new every day.
"The office where I’m based is shared with the first-team staff as well, so I feel it’s like a constant coaching course," he added.
"I’m trying to grasp onto as much as possible. They’ve said since day one, not only to myself, but my scholarship coaches, that if we have any questions about anything then the door is always open. You can’t ask for more than that.
"On top of that, the youth set-up is massive here.
"There are no transfer fees in rugby league, so if you can get a homegrown Huddersfield lad that has come through the system to represent the first team, then that’s really important.
"I’m a big believer in homegrown players, they will give that extra 5-10%, because they care so much about the team they are representing."
One major part of his new role is to continue to raise the club’s profile.
Although the club’s progression on the pitch allows for recognition, Hardisty knows hard work with youngsters is also vitally important.
"I think one of the biggest parts of my job is raising the profile of the club and working with the community," he continued.
"At the moment I’m in contact with each club’s coordinator building relationships.
"It’s important to keep an eye on the bigger picture and make sure these kids progress through the pathway and onto the first team, it’s about getting the fundamentals right, improving them as people as well as players.
Giants stars Shaun Lunt and David Fa’alogo will be at the town centre store tomorrow night (between 6-7pm) to help staff cope with the last-minute Christmas demand.
