Last night was a big night for both Rohan Smith and Zak Hardaker.
For Smith, it was his first game in charge at Headingley since being appointed Head Coach of the Rhinos and he gave a home debut to Zak Hardaker who switched from centre where he played against Salford last week to start at fullback.
Hardaker excelled in the role with a number of half breaks and plenty of metres whilst linking well with the rest of the Rhinos back three in David Fusitu’a and Ash Handley. He even picked up the Man of the Match award.
He clearly relished the occasion and Leeds fans relished having him back bringing back his old chant. After the game, Rohan Smith noted just how much Hardaker appears to be enjoying his time at Leeds despite an early setback in the shape of a seizure.
Smith said: “He looked like he’s enjoying himself, he’s looked like he’s enjoyed himself in every session so far. He’s a team player and he’s happy to do what’s needed for the team and certainly made an impact at fullback tonight.”
This prompted the question over whether Leeds could ask Hardaker to stay beyond his initial contract which only lasts until the end of the season with a move to boyhood Featherstone a likely switch for the ex-Wigan man.
However, Smith was unwilling to comment on Hardaker’s future moving forward simply saying: “It’ll be one week at a time for now but we’ll always be looking to build the best squad we can for next year.”
