Exclusive: Leeds Rhinos star Zak Hardaker makes huge admission on his future and health

It’s fair to say that Zak Hardaker belongs at Leeds Rhinos.

After a number of years away from Headingley at the likes of Castleford Tigers and Wigan Warriors, the 30-year-old has made the move back home – and with great aplomb.

Hardaker looks to be enjoying his rugby league at a club where he has been entrusted with the fullback spot under a new coach that is seemingly getting the best out of him.

The fullback or centre has been in inspired form for Leeds in recent weeks, helping the club make it into the play-offs where they now sit in fifth in the Super League table.

It really is a remarkable transformation from the beginning of the year when the Rhinos were sitting near the bottom of the table after just one win in six games.

That, of course, led to Richard Agar stepping down as head coach before Rohan Smith was appointed on a three and a half year deal and Hardaker coming in just weeks later.

That being said, Hardaker did experience a rocky start to life at Headingley once more with a suspected seizure delaying his second debut for the club.

However, that has never bothered him since.

“I’m fine and been fine ever since it happened. I forget that even happened and it seems like it was last year,” Hardaker told Serious About Rugby League.

“It was one of those things that happened but I’m alright. I’ve not been thinking about it too much to be fair.”

With the 30-year-old playing some of his best rugby of his career, there have been calls from expectant Leeds fans to hand Hardaker another contract – and he wants that to happen.

When asked if he will stay at Headingley, the fullback replied: “I think so, I’m really enjoying it here. I’m waiting for Gary (Hetherington) to offer me a deal so behind closed doors that is getting sorted.

“I think I would like to stay here but I know what rugby league is like and I know what can happen on the turn of a coin so I’m getting on with my rugby and my life and letting my rugby do the talking – hopefully that will get sorted soon.”