Hull FC veteran compared to ex-Australian star as ‘exceptional’ performances hailed

One of the standouts at Hull FC over the past 12 months has been compared to a former Australian international and World Cup winner.

It’s been a turbulent few years for Hull FC on the injury front and 2025 was no different with several players regularly moved around, and for Zak Hardaker that has continued in 2026.

Hardaker signed for the Black and Whites ahead of the 2025 season and went on to be named as the club’s player of the year, and he’s carried that form into 2026 whilst again being thrust into several different positions.

Last Friday’s Hull derby saw Hardaker line up in the halves having already played centre and full-back so far this season, and his versatility drew huge praise from Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin who went on to compare the 34-year-old to former Australia international Josh Dugan.

Speaking ahead of FC’s defeat at the hands of their rivals, Wilkin said: “I love him. His performance last week I thought was exceptional, and it’s a real timely lesson for people, actually, about the simple things that matter.

“He competes hard on every play, he’s a great athlete, he’s in good nick, he’s a big body, and he’s adaptable.”

Hull FC star Zak Hardaker earns his flowers

That adaptability saw Hardaker play almost every possible position in 2025 bar prop or hooker, though it’s across the backs where he spent most of his career and been most dominant.

Wilkin noted: “He reminds me of Josh Dugan, who played for the Kangaroos and St George, who could play any position in the back line and come up with the goods, and now he’s become John Cartwright’s man in that regard, hasn’t he? He’s been so valuable.

“You know what you’re going to get from Zak Hardaker. I’ve loved the last four or five years of his career.

“Everywhere he’s been ends up being successful. Leigh got there, Leeds were successful. Hull FC are on the cusp of being successful. I’m not saying it’s all down to him, but he’s so valuable to his club.”

For Sam Tomkins, a fellow former Man of Steel winner, Hardaker’s versatility is his major asset and something to explain why Hull FC have already signed him up for 2027.

He said: “I think that’s when you see a natural rugby player, a natural rugby league player, when he can move, he can play in the centres, he can play in the middle if he had to, he can play in the halves, and be equally effective across all of those.

“I think one reason they have got the luxury of moving him was Arthur Romano signed as well. He’s been a real good slot-in in that centre, meaning that Zak can roam and fit in where he needs, not just fit in, but actually have an impact in any position.”