Harding, 27, began his career as a small forward. He topped the club's goalkicking in 2003 before an inconsistent patch and a knee reconstruction ahead of the 2007 season threatened his playing days.
Now, after building up his fitness last season and successfully becoming a running defender, Harding is making inroads as a midfielder in the Kangaroos' new-look side.
"I started this pre-season down back and then it eventuated we were going to play some blokes in the midfield," he told kangaroos.com.au after the round one win over Melbourne.
"I've been in there for a couple of games and it's been okay. I've been back and I've been in the midfield, so it's been a change of positions and it's been good."
The knee – which he injured at the club's last training session of 2006 – is, he believes, to thank for his shift into the side's engine room.
"The knee was probably the best thing that happened to me, even though I was out of the game for 12 months.
"It gave me a new position down back and Dean was fully confident to throw me down there.
"Now [assistant coach] Anthony Rock has come along and I've got a chance in the midfield.
"They're all new challenges and I like challenges: one, getting over the knee, one, getting back, and lastly, going into the midfield."
Harding's transition looked to be a smooth one on Sunday when he picked up 28 touches in midfield against Melbourne and was one of the side's best.
Coach Dean Laidley said the performance was a credit to both player and club.
"He was fighting for his life this time last year," Laidley said.
"The way he's come back, he's been outstanding. We threw him in [the midfield] last year but we were always mindful of it being the first year back after a knee reconstruction playing in the midfield week-in, week-out.
"He's a hardened man now and he's got pace, he kicks it well and he reads the game well.
"To watch his maturity has been outstanding."
