Zak Hardaker’s Wigan Warriors career is now over.
The club revealed on Friday that the 30-year-old Pontefract-born centre/fullback would be let go after almost three years at the club.
Hardaker, who signed in May 2018, has left the club with immediate effect, returned to his family base in Yorkshire to pursue career opportunities closer to home.
Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Zak Hardaker is a hugely talented player, universally liked by team mates and staff. Everybody at Wigan Warriors has done everything they could to provide him with the platform he needed to shine at the highest level.
“As a consequence we are all extremely disappointed that his time at the Club has had to end in this way. We wish him all the best for the future.”
His next destination, however, is far from certain with a number of clubs either declaring their interest in the 30-year-old or distancing themselves.
Leigh Centurions and Featherstone Rovers are thought to be in the mix, but it’s his former side Leeds Rhinos that is expected to be in the driving seat.
And, for former Leeds forward Ryan Bailey, Hardaker is just the tonic that the Rhinos need. He tweeted: “Will be great to see @zakhardaker1 Back at Leeds Rhinos. One player that plays for the badge.”
Will be great to see @zakhardaker1 Back at Leeds rhinos 🦏. One player that plays for the badge 🏉
— RYAN BAILEY (@BAILS168) April 24, 2022
