Hardaker seeks revenge when Wigan face St Helens

Zak Hardaker says revenge is at the forefront of Wigan Warriors players’ minds ahead of their Good Friday derby against St Helens.

The 2018 Super League champions fell to a 22-12 defeat in their season curtain-raiser as Hardaker made his long-awaited debut in the Cherry and White colours.

But with the 27-year-old set to feature in his first home clash on Good Friday, a match-winning performance to shake up the runaway Super League leaders is at the forefront of his mind.

“Revenge is a buzzword at the moment and they beat us earlier in the season so revenge would be sweet,” he said. “It’s a massive game for both clubs, the cities are huge and they’re meeting each other on social media – it’s great to see.

“It’s a big game for both sets of fans and they deserve something positive to come out of it, so hopefully we can send them off in style on Friday.

“The first game of the season was a massive derby but I was too focused on myself, catching the balls as well as I could and trying to get shots and do as much as I can.

“I tried to block out all the outside noise and there was a lot of talk about whether I would be the same player.

“I feel like I’ve settled into the team now and I feel like I’m back in the swing of things. Every week I got better and better and that was really nice. I’m enjoying the atmosphere this week and I’m really enjoying it.”

Hardaker is no stranger to a derby from spells at Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers, but even as the most fiery of Yorkshiremen, the England international admitted nothing compares to what’s on offer in the Pennines.

“I can’t speak for the Hull derby but I think that’s (the biggest),” he said.

“I talked to the fans on the street and when I was in the supermarket and I know this is a different ball game. It’s definitely like a final and I know the Saints are bringing 5000 fans so it adds to a tasty atmosphere.

“We’re going to go hammer and tongs and it’s a game I’m really looking forward to.”

With 22,000 fans set to come through the turnstiles on Friday, Hardaker knows there is much more at stake than settling scores on the pitch – with the fans set to play a big part in the outcome.

“It’s not just bragging rights for the team, it’s bragging rights for the city and as players we recognize that,” he added. “We’re really excited about it and hopefully everyone comes out on a great Friday night and we can get the two points.”

• Wigan Warriors take on St Helens in rugby league’s fiercest rivalry at the DW Stadium on Friday 19th April from 3pm. Secure your place today by calling the DW Stadium Box Office on 01942 311111 or visiting https://wiganwarriors.com/tickets.