Zak Hardaker has played for Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers but is now shining at Leigh Leopards.

He knows a thing or two about a controversial exit and he has now had a say on a recent controversial exit of Blake Austin.

Austin has left Leeds Rhinos before the end of the season to the surprise of many.

He couldn’t agree a new deal with the Rhinos for next year and after some controversial comments on the JBK Show about Leeds and CEO Gary Hetherington.

Hardaker said on The Fully Game podcast: “I think he can do it on his day, yeah. To be fair, he was the best player for Leeds for the last 6 or 8 weeks.

“Funny enough, before we played Leeds we previewed Blake Austin and Richie Myler’s as their two main threats. Richie Myler broke his toe and Blake Austin got let go or whatever happened there.

“Funny enough he did a podcast with someone and he kind spilt some beans that you probably shouldn’t have spilt. I thought it might bite him on the arse.

“Whether they come to a mutual agreement or what? I really don’t know. But yeah, he said some things about the owner Gary Hetherington.

“I think he just said what he might have done right or might have done wrong. I know Gary from, I’ve been at Leeds for years so I was like, I don’t think Gary will like that. A week later and he’s not there so take that for what you will.”

Austin has joined another of Hardaker’s former clubs in the shape of Castleford Tigers and is tasked with saving them from relegation.

Given Hardaker seems to achieve success wherever he goes, there is an argument to be made that these struggling clubs should have done more to keep him.

He is now chasing a spot in the top two with Leigh.