Hull FC centre Zak Hardaker is no stranger to rugby league rivalries, and after playing in the Black and Whites’ Challenge Cup quarter-final loss against Hull KR, he’s added another to his collection.
In fact, of the six games in this year’s Rivals Round, Hardaker has played in all but one, with Catalans Dragons v Salford Red Devils being the only one missing from his repertoire.
Having previously played for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards, the Hull derby is the latest one and he admitted that it might be the one with the best atmosphere, especially playing at home in front of the Hull FC fans.
In an interview with the Super League website, he said: “That Hull Derby was absolutely electric.
“The noise was exactly like what you’d expect in a semi-final or a final, but it was just that little bit more personal because we were at home and there were over 17,000 fans inside.
“The noise beats any game that I’ve been in for, for sure, and the rivalry is way more personal than any other games I’ve been involved in.
“Both sets of fans were singing all the way through in the quarters. Even though it was a disappointing result for us, the atmosphere never died.
“After ten minutes, you couldn’t breathe just because of the atmosphere and how big of an occasion it was.
“All the boys said straight after that game that we can’t wait for Good Friday.”
When asked where he sits on the biggest derby in the league, a topic that rugby league fans will never agree on, the Hull FC centre said he thinks the Hull derby is bigger right now.
He added: “I think it is but I’ll probably get some chatter from some fans saying no, it’s not!
“I reckon the second one is definitely Wigan v St Helens. I just feel like the animosity between the Hull fans is a lot more. Hull is one city after all, but everyone will say the same about their teams, won’t they?”
Zak Hardaker recaps his favourite rugby league rivalries ahead of Hull FC and Hull KR Good Friday derby
Hardaker started off his career at Leeds and noted that games against Huddersfield Giants were often a sticking point for the Rhinos, mostly due to Danny Brough’s kicking game over the years.
He said: “There’s been some really good fixtures against Huddersfield, but the one I’ll have to say is when Ryan Hall scored in the last few seconds and the helicopter had to turn around with the League Leaders’ Shield in 2015.”
After a short stint in the NRL, he moved to Castleford and admitted that the matches against Wakefield Trinity always felt vicious due to their close locations.
He highlighted the August 2017 game where he scored two tries, because “we lifted the League Leaders’ Shield in front of Wakefield as well, that Castleford side was on fire!”
Next, he signed for Wigan but whilst he always enjoyed the games, he felt he was usually on the losing side during his time there.
He added: “It’s another rivalry that’s really close to home, they are bitter rivals and have family members from both sets of teams.
“I think I played in a few at Wigan’s stadium, and it was packed every time. Plus, it was great weather on Good Friday, and it was always a great atmosphere.”
Hardaker has also played in four Leigh v Warrington Wolves games in his two-year stint at the Leopards.
It’s a rivalry that’s been heightened since Leigh’s return to Super League and rebrand in 2023, with the fans being at the heart of the atmosphere again.
Hardaker finished: “A couple of years back, one of the games got particularly feisty, so I think the fans have created something out of that.”
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