Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington discusses a potential move for Wigan Warriors’ Zak Hardaker

With Leeds Rhinos earlier on confirming today that they were in the loan market for a player or two considering their injury crisis, the cogs began whirring about a potential move for Zak Hardaker.

Currently at the Wigan Warriors, Hardaker was dropped by head coach Matty Peet last week for ‘dipping below standards’ at the club and didn’t play on Easter Monday either.

With a new boss taking over at Leeds, CEO Gary Hetherington commented on potential incomings, with Hardaker a name being asked.

“We are in a situation where we are looking for any player that can add value,” Hetherington said.

“You don’t need to talk to about the virtues of Zak Hardaker to me – he is an outstanding player.

“We have been scouring the market to se if anyone is available so there’s quite a bit going on behind the scenes.”

Hetherington bemoaned the injuries and suspensions to much of the first-team at Headingley, but also explained how the salary cap makes it difficult for mid-season moves.

“It’s always difficult in the season but we didn’t expect to have ten of our frontline players missing which is what we’ve got at the moment.

“We’ve been decimated by injuries and suspensions, but we’re not panicking.

“We are on the lookout for any players that may become available, but the salary cap makes it tight for all clubs.

“Who wants to let their best players go to other clubs?”