RISING Huddersfield Giants star Joe Wardle is hoping to shrug off a hamstring strain as quickly as possible and continue to build on a dream start to his Huddersfield career.
The 19-year-old former Bradford Bulls centre marked his fifth senior Giants start with a well-taken try in the 40-18 Super League win over St Helens.
That came after another try-scoring display in the Challenge Cup triumph at Batley the week before.
His performance in the Cup was enough to convince head coach Nathan Brown that he deserved to keep his place for the big Saints’ top-of-the-table test.
And the Scotland international is hoping it won’t be too long before he can continue to enhance his growing Super League reputation.
"All being well, I’ll be back out there next week for Catalan in the Cup," said a delighted Wardle.
"The hamstring doesn’t feel too bad. I felt a slight tweak and it was immediately decided to bring me off to avoid any further damage.
"All being well, that means I’ll stand a chance of playing again next week, because now I’ve got into the side I just want to keep playing as regularly as I can.
"The more games I’m playing, the more comfortable I feel.
"I’m getting used to playing alongside the boys now, and I think they’re also getting used to playing alongside me.
"And I do believe that as the games go on, the better I’ll get.
"I probably have to say this game against Saints is the best I’ve played.
"I just tried to stick to what I do best, which is my defence, and hoped I’d been on the end of an attacking opportunity. On this occasion that’s exactly what happened.
"To hand-off Francis Meli the way I did to score my first Super League try was a pretty sweet moment.
"That first try already seemed a long time coming, so let’s just hope it’s the first of many!"
But Wardle admits he does still have to pinch himself to make sure he’s not dreaming.
"When I came here at the end of last season, my aim was simply to show everyone what I could do and try and learn as much as I possibly could under Browny," he added.
"To be honest, I realistically only expected to play about two first-team games.
"I really did think this year would be about watching and learning, and being patient waiting for my chance further down the line.
"But I’m now up to five games and desperate to play more.
"When Browny tells me he thinks I’m progressing well and he’s praising me in public, it’s great for your confidence.
"But I know this is still just the start of my career.
"I’ve had to work really hard to get this chance, and I know if I don’t keep working hard then I’ll lose my spot, it’s as simple as that.
"There’s quality throughout this squad, and one bad game and you’re asking for trouble.
"That’s something that adds to your motivation."
