Reports: Hull FC complete sensational signing of Zak Hardaker

According to a report in the Hull Daily Mail, Hull FC have secured the signing Zak Hardaker for the 2025 season. Hardaker is an ex-team mate of Hull’s Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, with both forming part of the Leeds Rhinos side which lost in the 2022 Grand Final against St Helens.

Hardaker is out of contract at the conclusion of this campaign, with the Black & Whites securing his services from next season on a reported two-year deal. He is capable of covering all positions in the back line, however has been playing mostly as a centre in recent years.

Hardaker has enjoyed a successful career and has won three Super League titles, two League Leader’s Shields, two Challenge Cups and one World Club Challenge. He has also spent time with the Castleford Tigers and Wigan Warriors, having started his career at Featherstone Rovers.

It is understood that Leigh were keen to retain Hardaker and had offered him a new contract, however Hardaker will now depart the club where he lifted the Challenge Cup in 2023.

Hull FC rebuilding following difficult start

Hull FC have suffered a difficult start to the 2024 season. The Black and Whites have secured just one win so far, against London Broncos. They will be hoping to add to that this weekend by completing a double over Super League’s bottom side.

Their poor start to the season led to head coach Tony Smith being sacked as head coach in April. Simon Grix was placed in interim charge, but is yet to win a game. Myler was appointed at the club’s new Director of Rugby and has set about rebuilding the Hull FC squad.

FC have already secured two major signings from Leigh Leopards for 2025. Oliver Holmes and John Asiata will join the West Hull side for next season. Hull legend, Tom Briscoe, also made the move from Leigh to Hull on an immediate basis, rejoining the club where he started his career.

Hardaker adds experience to Hull’s young squad

Zak Hardaker will add valuable experience to a young Hull squad. Hull’s difficult start to the season, and the departure of several key players, such as Nu Brown and Tex Hoy, has led to interim coach, Grix, putting his faith in youth.

18 year old half back, Jack Charles, has been a regular in the FC side this season, having made his debut earlier in the year. Similarly, Logan Moy has now made three Super League appearances, having made his debut in Hull’s heavy defeat against Huddersfield Giants.

Myler has stated his desire to add more experience to Hull’s side, and reduce their reliance on young players. With a long career in Super League behind him, Hardaker is a logical next step in Myler’s transformation of the Black and Whites ahead of the 2025 season.