England debutant Jake Wardle doesn’t mess around - he smashed into France, an advertising hoarding and concrete steps to promote his international chances.
Worried fans held their breath when the Wigan centre unusually crashed into the front row of the crowd during Saturday’s emphatic win at rain-lashed Warrington. Wardle and England team-mate Matty Ashton were both looking to score off George Williams’ grubber kick when they slid for the ball in the first half. But, along with France’s Paul Marcon, they aquaplaned through the pitchside advertising hoarding in a spectacular collision and straight into the shocked West Stand.
Although Ashton and Marcon quickly dusted themselves down to return, Wardle needed treatment from England’s medical staff amid the supporters before resuming. The ex-Huddersfield star, 24, admitted: “I don’t really recall much of what happened. As soon as I hit it, I went through. I think I ended up hitting the bottom step. That’s what got me.
“I was competing for the ball and it was just one of those situations. Luckily enough, I managed to miss everyone and just hit the step. But I don’t think there was any chance of them ruling me out. You don’t get many opportunities to play for England so falling into the bottom step wasn’t going to stop me!”
Wardle was one of 13 debutants who looked to make the most of their chance as England boss Shaun Wane cast his eye over some of Betfred Super League’s best young talent. Dynamic Leeds winger Ash Handley scored a hat-trick on his bow while fellow newcomers Warrington hooker Danny Walker plus Wigan duo Harry Smith and Ethan Havard also crossed. Stand-off Williams, in his first game as new captain, was one of only three players who featured in last year’s World Cup.
He also finished with a treble after linking brilliantly with Handley. Wardle recovered from his near-miss in the stands to quickly slice through to set up Smith’s try and then score himself in an impressive display. He and club-mate Toby King looked sharp in a new-look centre partnership. They had been ditched by Huddersfield and Warrington respectively last year but have proved dynamic for Super League leaders Wigan in 2023.
Wardle, who scored for England in the non-capped game against Combined Nations All Stars last June, admitted: “We both probably didn't have the seasons we wanted last year. But we both seem to have found our feet a bit at Wigan. Toby’s been playing unbelievable and fully deserved his shot. He took it with both hands.
“For me, it was a really proud moment. Just playing for England is the pinnacle but getting over for that try was the cherry on top. And being able to set up Harry as well was good. I’ve got on really well with him in my time at Wigan and that was the icing on the cake.”
Wardle should be back in action for Warriors at Hull on Thursday. But he’s also got his eyes on the end of season three Test series with Tonga which was finally confirmed last week. Brisbane centre Herbie Farnworth will come back into contention for that and St Helens’ star Mark Percival. But Wardle’s done his chances no harm whatsoever.
