Gale feels Hardaker is possible Man of Steel

Castleford scrum half Luke Gale believes that Zak Hardaker is already showing signs of being a contender for Man of Steel.

Hardaker has been in fine form, as Castleford have started the season with three wins from three.

They also swept old rivals Leeds aside imperiously last week, hammering the Rhinos 66-10, with Hardaker very much to the fore against his old club.

“You don’t realise how good he is until playing with him,” Gale told Tigers TV.

“Obviously, I played against him for a lot of years.

“He’s been outstanding this year. We’re three games in, and I think he’s showing his Man of Steel qualities.”

Gale is also delighted with the way the squad as a whole is playing, with a good start to the season key to Castleford’s plans for success in 2017.

“We’re on fire,” he said.

“Everyone’s been outstanding. We spoke about a big start and we’ve delivered it.”