Leeds Rhinos went down 23-8 to the Salford Red Devils yesterday.
But, the game was special for the West Yorkshire club in two ways: it was not only new head coach Rohan Smith’s first game in charge, but it was also Zak Hardaker’s first game back in a Leeds shirt following his move over a fortnight ago.
Hardaker had exited the Wigan Warriors to be nearer his home and family in West Yorkshire and the 30-year-old made his second debut for the Rhinos in that loss at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The former Castleford Tigers fullback/centre started at centre with Richie Myler at fullback and he reflected on the game on social media site Instagram, stating: “Was good to be back! Onwards n Upwards 🦏 Thank you to everyone who’s messaged me.”
View this post on Instagram
Of course, Hardaker’s initial debut against Hull KR had to be postponed due to the Pontefract-born man having a seizure outside his home.
Subsequent tests have all come back clear with the fall to the pavement thought to be the cause of the fit.
