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Rugby League

Hardman joins Vikings on loan

07/12/2007

St Helens full-back Ian Hardman has joined National League One side Widnes Vikings on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Saints' Super League rivals Hull Kingston Rovers, where he made 18 first-team appearances.

Hardman's contribution helped keep Rovers in the top division before he returned from Craven Park to his parent club at the end of the season.

And the club's management have decided to release the youngster again so that he is able to continue his development in the professional, senior game so that he may be able to slot into the St Helens first-team at some point in the future.

Hardman has made 46 appearances for Saints, kicking eight goals and scoring 11 tries.

He also increased his profile within the game as he starred for the England under-17 side as they defeated the Australian youth side, the Institute of Sport, in a series in December 2003.

Widnes lost out to Castleford Tigers 42-10 in the National League grand final for a place in Super League in 2008 and will be looking to go one better this time around.

And head coach Steve McCormack has signed experienced props Jim Gannon, who was a team-mate of Hardman's at Hull KR last season, and former Wigan Warriors man Danny Hill to help achieve that aim.