Hull FC star Zak Hardaker will depart the club at the end of the season in order to link up with a fellow Super League club.
Hardaker has agreed to join the York Knights on a two-year deal, in what is yet another big coup for Mark Applegarth’s side.
The 34-year-old joins Matty English, Max Jowitt and Cameron McInnes at the club in 2027, as the Knights look to bring in some experienced top-flight players to consolidate their spot as a mainstay in the Super League competition.
Hardaker’s career began back in 2010 with Featherstone, before he made his name at the Leeds Rhinos, winning three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge in his time at Headingley.
Moving to Penrith Panthers on loan in 2016, he would return to Super League with Castleford the following year, guiding them to a League Leaders’ Shield in the club’s most successful season in the modern era.
A switch to Wigan Warriors followed, before a brief spell at Leeds came around in 2022. He would join Leigh Leopards for their first season back in Super League, and moved again to join Hull FC in 2024.
Able to play centre, full-back, back-row and in the halves, he provides some excellent versatility to the Knights, whilst his individual awards include a Man of Steel and three Super League Dream Team appearances, showing his quality.
York Knights land Hull FC man Zak Hardaker for 2027 and 2028
On his move to the Knights, Hardaker said: “I’m really excited to be joining York for the ‘27 and ‘28 season
“It’s all come to fruition quickly, but after speaking to Mash and hearing the aspirations of York and where they’re wanting to go, and the experience I can bring to the club and the squad, made me very excited to join.
“I’m really looking forward to joining up with the team after the off-season and seeing what we can achieve together over the next few years. Up the Knights!”
Head coach Applegarth said: “I’m delighted to have Zak over the line. He brings with him a wealth of experience.
“He’s the ultimate competitor. The best compliment I can give Zak is that every game I’ve watched him or previewed against him, he’s the most competitive player on the field and that’s what we want at York.
“He’s a player that’s been there and done it all in a long and illustrious career. We want those sort of values to reflect into bringing on our York team. We think he’s going to be great for a few of our younger end [players].
“He leads by example and I’m really looking forward to seeing him in a York Knights’ shirt.”
