Dewsbury Rams yesterday announced that Joe Wardill will be joining the club in 2021.
Wardill feels this is the right opportunity and wants to get back into playing the sport he loves.
On his reasons for joining the club he said: “After speaking to people who had been at the club before, they all had good things to say about the club which made it an easy decision for me.
“I had kept track of the team at the start of the season before lockdown and they started really well so hopefully that continues into the new season.”
Wardill rose through the academy system at Super League side Hull KR. He said that, that experience was a fantastic learning curve for him.
He said: “I learnt so much at Hull KR at every level from 18s, reserves and first team. I played some games at this level after Rovers got relegated and so hope I can learn from those games and be involved in some more for Dewsbury this season.”
Although Wardill signed a three year contract with Rovers, he unfortunately had to have three hip operations which meant he had to retire early at just the age of 21. However having recovered and played in some Hull KR reserve fixtures, Wardill feels strong enough to start his career in the sport again.
He commented: “My career has been very up and down since the start but after multiple injuries and other reasons I took some time away from playing.
“After a year and a half away this felt like the best opportunity for me to get back into playing at a high level.
“It’s definitely one of the hardest things I have had to deal with in my life but after playing a handful of games for the Hull KR reserves my body pulled through well and after a long break away from constant training some of the problems I faced before have passed.
“I’m very confident I can get back to fitness during preseason and be fully fit to play when the season starts which I’m looking forward too.”
On his favourite position to play, Wardill added: “I have played most of my games on the wing but can play centre and back row so I am happy to offer myself up wherever I may be needed.”
On his ambitions for the 2021 campaign, Wardill explained.
“My aim is to take things one step at a time, fully focus on getting match fit over the next couple of months and then look to fight for a place in the team as the season starts.”
Finally Wardill said he can’t wait to play his first game at the Tetley’s Stadium and to once again test himself in the Betfred Championship.
“I have never played at the stadium before, I have only watched but I really enjoyed the atmosphere when I was there.
“So I’m excited to get things back to normal and experience it for myself on the pitch.
“I really enjoyed playing at this level in the past and I feel it suits the way I play so I am excited to test myself again.”
