Joe Wardle


Joe Wardle is a Scotland international rugby league footballer who plays as a or forward for the Huddersfield Giants in the Betfred Super League.
He previously played for the Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants and the Castleford Tigers in the Super League, and the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. He spent time on loan from Huddersfield at the Barrow Raiders in 2011. He has also spent time on loan from Castleford at the Giants in the Super League.

Background

Wardle was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.

Career

Wardle came through the ranks at Bradford Bulls after signing from Illingworth ARLFC.
Wardle made his début for the Bradford Bulls against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup in May 2010. He débuted in the Super League a week later against the Huddersfield Giants. He made his first start for the club in the next game against Crusaders RL, but suffered an injury which prevented him from establishing a regular place in the first team. He returned to play for the under-20's team after recovering from the injury, but suffered a torn quadriceps, which would keep him out of action for the rest of the season. In September 2010, he rejected a new contract from Bradford, and instead signed for the Huddersfield Giants.
In 2011, he spent time on loan at the Barrow Raiders. After performing well in the first half of the season, he was given a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Galpharm Stadium until the end of 2014. In July 2013, he was rewarded with a further contract extension until 2017. He was named the 2014 Huddersfield Giants season's player of the year.
In October and November 2013, he played for Scotland in their 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign.
In October and November 2014, he played in the 2014 European Cup competition.
During the 2016 season, Wardle signed a contract with National Rugby League side the Newcastle Knights, starting in 2018. However, he was able to gain a release in December to join the Newcastle Knights a year early ahead of the 2017 season, on a 3-year contract.
He made his Newcastle Knights début in round 4 of the 2017 season against the Penrith Panthers.
Wardle only played 17 matches for the Newcastle Knights after becoming homesick and gaining a release to return to England on a 3-year contract with Super League side the Castleford Tigers.