Zak Hardaker gives update

Zak Hardaker has posted an update from inside the England camp as he prepares for his first England cap since 2015.

Starring in a beleaguered Wigan outfit, Hardaker has impressed despite playing most of the season out in the centres rather than at his specialist fullback spot.

And, England boss Shaun Wane has taken it upon himself to start Hardaker in the centres too, with Castleford’s Niall Evalds holding the number one spot.

The former Leeds Rhino was pictured stretching on the floor alongside teammate Liam Farrell, with the caption “back in the mix.”

It will be a nice distraction for the 30-year-old given that for most of the season his future has been up in the air.

Hardaker had been granted permission by Wigan to look for a club nearer his home of Pontefract for 2022 and beyond, but nothing was forthcoming despite various rumours circulating about a potential move to back to the Tigers.

However, despite the star fullback committing to the Warriors for 2022, Lenagan has spoken of his worry about the plan to commute from his current home to Wigan each day.

“He is part of the plans here,” Lenagan said.

“We’ve been very open about the Zak Hardaker situation. We’ve helped rehabilitate the reputation of Zak Hardaker in the last three years, and it’s cost us a lot of time and money – but he is worth it.”

Lenagan added: “We’re disappointed he’s moving back to West Yorkshire. We understand why he’s doing it, and it’s his choice. But we’re nervous of it, without a doubt. He has got another year left on his contract and we’re honouring it.”

It’s well known that Hardaker’s contract runs out at the end of 2022, but Wigan do hold an option in their favour and Lenagan believes he still might not leave then either.

“We gave him an option to look around and he hasn’t found anybody.. that tells you something.

“He’s made it very clear he’s going to work very hard, he’s going to have to get up much earlier and we hope it doesn’t impact on his game.”