Zak Hardaker instrumental in helping Wigan Warriors overcome a resolute Leeds Rhinos

Credit: Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft

There were also tries for Jackson Hastings and a brace for Liam Farrell which helped the Warriors extend their winning run in 2021 to take Adrian Lam’s side to the top of the Betfred Super League table.

With the return of Bevan French imminent, Adrian Lam had the big decision as to who to play at full-back after impressive performances in the position from Zak Hardaker.

News broke that French would sit out this week’s game as a precaution due to a lower back injury that he sustained in the days prior. It meant once more Hardaker would feature at full-back, a position he has made his own since the start of the season.

The 29-year old was influential all game for the Cherry and Whites. No more than the bit of individual brilliance to create his own try.

He took the ball 30 metres out and spotted that the Rhinos full-back Jack Broadbent had been forced to come into the defensive line leaving large running space. He picked out an excellent chip-and-chase to the left corner and showed his burst of speed to bypass the retreating Leeds defenders before collecting the ball to score.

Wigan lead at the break 8-0 but a spirited comeback from the Rhinos at the start of the second-half saw Leeds debutant Kyle Eastmond find Luke Briscoe who fed Alex Mellor to reduce the deficit.

That was as good as it got for the hosts as Wigan pushed on with Jackson Hastings and Liam Farrell getting another two tries on the board for the visitors.

The game was capped off with a drop goal from the Warriors Man of the Match Zak Hardaker giving his side a 19-6 victory.

Wigan Warriors coach Adrian Lam confirmed in his post-match press conference that Bevan French will be fit for their home game against Castleford Tigers next week, but gave no indication as to where he would play the Australian.

He was full of praise for Hardaker and his performances since the start of the season.

“ Zak Hardaker was outstanding again tonight, both Zak and Bevan are as important as each other for the team. Zak has been outstanding, he couldn’t of done anymore in the full back position and I really appreciate that”.

“It is a decision I have to make as to where I fit them in the team as they will both play next week, they are key players for this team”.

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