'Everyone will want to play against Greg Inglis'

The full Super League fixtures should be revealed within days – and Zak Hardaker reckons there’s a good reason why every player will circle their fixture with Warrington.
Greg Inglis has signed for Warrington this yearGreg Inglis has signed for Warrington this year
Greg Inglis has signed for Warrington this year

Wigan look set to face Warrington at least three times this year after they were confirmed as their Magic Weekend opponents.

Australian great Greg Inglis has come out of retirement to play for the Wolves this year.

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And Hardaker compares the 34-year-old’s arrival in Super League to that of Kiwi dual-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams with Toronto Wolfpack last year.

He said: “I’ve watched a lot of him over the years, he is definitely one of those freakish players who’s had an incredible career.

“It’ll be a bit like when Sonny Bill was here, in that everyone will want the chance to play against him.”

As well as the return of John Bateman to Super League with Wigan, Inglis’ arrival on these shores has given this Super League campaign a focal point.

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The ex-Melbourne Storm superstar played 39 Tests for Australia, and won 10 State of Origin series with Queensland as well as the 2014 NRL title with South Sydney Rabbitohs.

He retired from the game in April 2019.

Hardaker is unsure whether the former Souths centre will operate at left or right centre for Warrington.

“I’d love to be opposite him,” said Hardaker, Wigan’s right centre.

“If he turns me inside out, then so be it, but it would be great to play against him and fair play to Warrington for bringing him over, the more names in Supeer League the better it is as a whole.”

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Fellow centre Oliver Gildart is equally enthusiastic about his arrival in the competition.

“I was having a chat with (Warrington and ex-Wigan winger) Josh Charnley on Instagram and I asked how Inglis was going in training,” said Gildart. “I know, personally, he was my favourite player growing up and it was the same with Josh, so the chance to play against him will be unreal.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge and I know a lot of lads will be, he’s a big icon in the game.”

Fans may discover today who Wigan will face in the Magic Weekend, which has been pushed back to Septemer from its usual May slot.