Zak Hardaker explains how Leeds Rhinos move came about

Zak Hardaker is now a Leeds Rhinos player – which is perhaps one of the most surprising statements in recent Super League years.

Having left the West Yorkshire club back in 2016 after handing in a transfer request, Hardaker made the move to rivals Castleford Tigers where he spent a season.

That too ended in the worst possible fashion before Hardaker was given an opportunity by the Wigan Warriors following a drugs ban.

But, the spell at the DW Stadium came to an end last week with the 30-year-old moving back home.

And, Hardaker has revealed how that move back to Leeds came about.

“When I left Wigan, I wasn’t thinking of any specific club to go to but just wanted to get back to Yorkshire and see what happened from there,” Hardaker said.

“Gary (Hetherington – Leeds CEO) – spoke to my agent and I went to meet him.

“He brought me up to speed with where the team is at and my focus is on playing well this year for the boys and enjoying my rugby.

“It is a very talented squad, albeit with injuries to key players at the moment. After our history together, I was surprised and overwhelmed when Leeds came calling and I want to make the most of this opportunity, I think it is a deal that works well for everyone concerned.”

Hardaker will not make his second debut for the Rhinos tomorrow night against Hull KR after he suffered a seizure after training on Tuesday.