Zak Hardaker has written an open letter to Leigh Leopards as he prepares to leave the club at the end of the season. Hardaker has spent the last two seasons with the Leopards, making 52 appearances and while he has helped the club establish themselves as a top flight outfit, he has also managed to get his hands on silverware.
In what was Leigh’s first season back in the top flight, they managed to achieve the unthinkable and win the Challenge Cup for just the third time in the club’s history. Hardaker played an important role in the victory and he has been a regular in the line up under Adrian Lam this season, too.
However, tonight’s clash with St Helens will be his last regular season game for the Leopards with Hardaker set to make the move to Hull FC ahead of the 2025 campaign. He’ll be joining teammates John Asiata, Oliver Holmes and Ed Chamberlain at the MKM Stadium and he’s undoubtedly looking forward to the next chapter in his career.
Before he starts to think about representing the Black and Whites next season, though, Hardaker has released a message to the Leigh faithful.
“Well, where do I start? It’s been an amazing two years at Leigh,” he wrote in an open letter published on the club’s official website. “Firstly, being one of the first ‘Leigh Leopards’, which caught everyone off guard, has been incredible. Being part of that project from the beginning was exciting, but it doesn’t compare to the year I had last year.
“Wow, probably one of the best years of my career. The bonds we formed early on in the team, and the fun we had, were clear to see. To have the success of a Challenge Cup win at Wembley – well, that’s the stuff dreams are made of. Doing it with this team, this club, and this town, and understanding what it means to everyone, will truly stay in my heart forever.
“I just want to thank everyone, from the fans who welcomed me from day one and have been brilliant to me and my family, to the club itself – from Derek and his family all the way down to Frank, the kit man. It’s a club with a lot of love, and you feel that straight away.
“Lastly, to the players who have made this journey possible, I am truly grateful for the great moments we’ve shared together.
“Leigh will always hold a special place in my heart.
“Thank you, Leythers.”
