Hardaker in line to face Wests

Zak Hardaker could make his NRL debut for Penrith this weekend against Wests Tigers.

The former Leeds fullback has had just two training sessions with his new teammates since leaving the UK and landing in Australia on Wednesday.

But Panthers coach Anthony Griffin believes he has seen enough for a possible NRL introduction on Saturday.

“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,” Griffin told NRL.com.

“He’s a chance [to play]. 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.”

Griffin said he was keen to see how Hardaker fares defensively in the NRL.

“First thing I noticed is that he’s a 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,” Griffin 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.”