Two clubs reportedly declare their interest in signing ex-Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors man Zak Hardaker

It’s a story that shook rugby league this morning when it was announced that Zak Hardaker would be leaving Wigan Warriors.

Hardaker, who signed in May 2018, has left Wigan with immediate effect, which enables him to return to his family base in Yorkshire to pursue career opportunities closer to home.

Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said this morning: “Zak Hardaker is a hugely talented player, universally liked by team mates and staff. Everybody at Wigan Warriors has done everything they could to provide him with the platform he needed to shine at the highest level.

“As a consequence we are all extremely disappointed that his time at the Club has had to end in this way. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Now, though, two clubs have reportedly declared their interest in him – former club Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions, both of whom are desperately trying to reach Super League at the end of 2022.

Championship heavyweights Featherstone Rovers and the Leigh Centurions have joined the race to sign Zak Hardaker, who had his contract with the Wigan Warriors terminated earlier today.

— The Game Caller 🗣🎙📻 (@TheGameCaller) April 22, 2022

Hardaker has made a name for himself in the past decade as one of the most talented players in Super League, with an ability to play both fullback and centre making him potentially vital for a number of sides – on both sides of the Pennines.