Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin gives verdict on Zak Hardaker and Rohan Smith

It’s been a double whammy for Leeds Rhinos fans in recent weeks with a new head coach and a huge new signing.

Those have come in the shape of Rohan Smith and Zak Hardaker – both of whom arrived at Headingley last week.

In that time, it’s been a hectic period with Hardaker suffering a seizure before being given the all clear to return to training.

And, teammate Rhyse Martin cannot wait to play alongside him if Hardaker is given his debut this Sunday at Salford Red Devils.

“He’s been great, it was a tough start for him that first week,” Martin told the Leeds Youtube channel.

“It’s been good to have him in training this week – we know what sort of player he is and I can’t wait to play alongside him.

“It’s good to have him in our team now instead of playing against him.”

The other big new face is, of course, Smith who was handed a three-and-a-half year contract to rebuild the Rhinos after a string of poor results at the beginning of the season.

And, Martin was also keen to stress just how important the new boss has been since joining.

“He’s been good, he’s a pretty relaxed character and what we needed in a way,” Martin continued.

“He’s very technical and working on the skill side of things a lot more, so in the game we need to take opportunities when they arise a bit more.”