Leeds Rhinos' Zak Hardaker scores try of the week

Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker says he was "humbled" to receive a text from England coach Steve McNamara after his recent impressive performances.

He scored two brilliant solo tries to help the Rhinos to victory against Warrington, and then showed his defensive class in the win over Wigan.

The 23-year-old, who scored twice on his England debut in 2012, has 12 tries from 24 games this season.

"It's nice to know he's watching," Hardaker told BBC Radio Leeds.

"To get a message from him last week was really nice and quite humbling. I'll have to keep pulling my finger out and performing.

"Apart from that, he doesn't send texts out or get in touch, which is good because he just lets you play your game and it's about club rugby.

"We do get together a few times a year and it's a great atmosphere with some great lads that all get on.

Zak Hardaker's defensive masterclass

"But I do think it's good he lets us get on and bash each other, if that's the right word."

With Sam Tomkins away in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, Hardaker's form in the Super League has brought plenty of media attention and clamour for an England recall.

Although he was involved in an assault incident earlier this season for which he was punished internally by the club, his conduct on and off the field since then has earned him a new four-year deal.

"It's not always been for the right reasons," Hardaker, said of the attention.

"I do like it in some ways, but sometimes it can get a bit too much and I get a bit sheepish, but I'm a confident lad and I just take it as it comes, that's rugby league."