Jamie Jones-Buchanan addresses if Leeds Rhinos will move for Zak Hardaker after two more injuries

Last night, Leeds picked up only their second win of the season. But it was a vital one as it opened up a three-point gap between the Rhinos and bottom club Toulouse whom the Rhinos defeated last night 25-14.

The win was all about their two nines with Brad Dwyer scoring a brace and Kruise Leeming – playing in the halves – coming up with a vital assist and a drop goal to secure the win.

The Rhinos had to turn to this duo with Blake Austin and co out but also had to rely on them more heavily later in the game as Liam Sutcliffe and Tom Briscoe were forced off with knee and ankle injuries respectively the latter of which was described as “pretty bad” by Buchanan.

With only 20 players available going into the game in the first place meaning Leeds were unable to name a full 21-man squad, these two injuries have compounded the availability crisis at Headingley.

Since the announcement of Leeds’ squad there has been a belief that former Rhino Zak Hardaker could make a cinema script return to the the Rhinos despite leaving under a cloud in 2016. This was before his release from Wigan with a loan move expected. However, Hardaker’s confirmed Wigan departure would now see him become a permanent member of Leeds’ playing squad if he were to join the Rhinos mid-season with Leeds desperate for players and especially outside backs.

Leeds finished last night’s game with a backline of 17-year-old centre Max Simpson joining Ash Handley on the wings with second-rows Morgan Gannon and Rhyse Martin at centre. Jack Broadbent had switched to fullback. This epitomises Leeds’ need for backs and Zak Hardaker would certainly solve that.

So, could Leeds make a move for their former star?

Well, after the win last night interim boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan had his say: “I hope Zak’s well first and foremost. I have some really fond memories with him and what stood out is how forthcoming he’s always been with some of the challenges and difficulties he’s had and never hides behind it.

“There’s a lot of his old friends in there who love him and recognise the character he is. I’d be more than willing to go put my arm around him and help him out.

“We’re talking about culture and it’s really important for these young blokes that we get the right people in who will set the right examples and that would be up to Rohan Smith and Gary Hetherington if they’re going to allow Zak in but his potential as a player is phenomenal and in that regard yes for sure.”

A “phenomenal” player in the eyes of his former teammate Buchanan then, but will new coach Rohan Smith see Hardaker as the right fit for his team? Time will tell. It seems the decision is in his hands and that of Chief Executive Gary Hetherington where the salary cap is concerned.