Friday 1 July 2016 10:44, UK
Zak Hardaker is in line to make his NRL debut for Penrith Panthers against Wests Tigers this Saturday.
The full-back joined Penrith last week on a short-term swap deal which saw hooker James Segeyaro move the other way to Leeds Rhinos.
England international Hardaker had requested a transfer from Leeds and despite only arriving in Australia on Wednesday, and having trained just twice with his new teammates, Penrith coach Anthony Griffin says the reigning Super League Man of Steel could line out this weekend.
"He's had two full days with us now and got his first good night's sleep last night and he was nice and fresh this morning," said Griffin.
"I don't know yet (if Hardaker will play). He's a chance. We've got a couple of options there at the back end of our squad on the bench, we'll sort that out before the game."
Hardaker, 24, won three Super League titles during his time at Leeds and was named in the Super League dream team for the last two campaigns.
Griffin is confident his new signing will settle in and perform well within the Panthers' set-up.
"First thing I noticed is that he's very energetic, seems like a tough competitor and the vision we watched of him and the reports we got on him reflect that as well," he said.
"That's the main thing we need him to bring. We need him to bring a strong work ethic and a defensive attitude. If he can get that right, he's obviously got some things in attack that might be able to help us as well."
