The biggest hint revealed of where Leeds Rhinos star Zak Hardaker’s future lies in Super League

Zak Hardaker has been going quietly about his business since making a high profile move to the Leeds Rhinos after leaving Wigan Warriors.

The fullback or centre has slotted seamlessly into Rohan Smith’s thinking at Headingley with talk very much focused on his future having only signed a deal until the end of the season.

With Jack Walker going out on loan to Hull FC, it has paved the way for Hardaker to be given another deal that could see him finish his Super League career with Leeds.

And, Smith has revealed that ‘preliminary chats’ have been instigated in a bid to tie him down.

“I’ve had preliminary chats with his agent and we will keep the ball rolling there,” Smith said.

“There is no strict timescale there and it will sort itself out as we go along.”

Smith did, however, reveal that it is difficult for him to make as many as signings as he would possibly like given the limitations on the club’s salary cap which has already seen the likes of Jack Broadbent and Alex Mellor depart.

“It’s been very vigorous, we are limited as to how much movement we can have.

“I’m happy with our roster and it’s a matter of tweaking and adjusting things – we need to have an understanding of where we go and what the value is on players and then understand the market and try to establish value.

“I go to a few games each week other than our own which you can’t get on video.”

For now, the Rhinos have signed Justin Sangare and James McDonnell for 2023 with Leeds also heavily linked with Batley Bulldogs star Luke Hooley who used to be on Wakefield Trinity’s books before departing for the Championship.

Smith’s men, of course, sit just outside the Super League play-off spots ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Salford Red Devils.