New recruit Joe Wardle reported to Knights HQ for his first day of training on Friday morning.
Shortly afterwards he spoke to the Newcastle Media for the first time since his arrival, and didn’t mince his words when asked what his reasons were for coming to the NRL.
“When Browny (coach Nathan Brown) called me saying there was a chance to come over, it was an easy decision,” the Englishman said.
“I’ve been wanting to do it for quite a while now.
“I want to test myself against the best, and the best are out here.”
Still only 25-years-old, Wardle has already played 141 matches for the Huddersfield Giants.
He describes himself as a no-nonsense type of player, capable of playing either in the centres or at back row.
“I try to get stuck in, I’m not someone who takes a backwards step,” he said.
“I’m not someone that does all that fancy stuff, I’m someone that likes to do the hard stuff.”
His no-frills attitude will be a welcome addition to the Knights, although surgery late last year means he’s still on the rehab trail.
“I had a microfracture operation on my knee, so I’m about three to four weeks away,” he said.
“I’m starting back running this week, so it won’t take me too long to get back to full fitness.
“It’s been a long time coming, so I just want to get out there with the boys and have a dig.”
