Zak Hardaker’s strengths and weaknesses as Hull FC deal analysed ahead of 2025

Hull FC announced the signings of three players earlier this week as their 2025 recruitment continued to take shape. Oliver Holmes, Ed Chamberlain and Zak Hardaker will all make the journey over from Leigh Leopards ahead of next season with Richie Myler getting to work as he strives to help Hull improve on their woeful 2024 campaign.

Most of Hull’s business so far has gone down well but the addition of Hardaker was met with a mixed response to say the very least. The 32-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Black and Whites and Myler took the opportunity to point out he has won everything there is to win at domestic level in England when the deal was announced.

He’s a former Man of Steel winner, too, who will add plenty of experience to Hull’s young back line. However, it’s fair to say Hardaker’s history is chequered and that was something pointed out by fans on social media following the announcement this week. With that in mind, we analyse the deal and take a look at some of Hardaker’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

Experience

There’s no doubt about it, Hardaker has been around the block and he knows how to win big games. His trophy cabinet at home is enough to tell you that, with the 32-year-old boasting three Super League rings, three Challenge Cup winners’ medals, three League Leaders’ Shield medals, a Man of Steel award and two Great Britain caps.

He’s seen it all, done it all and the knowledge he has to offer Hull’s young backs such as Logan Moy, Lewis Martin, Davy Litten and others is invaluable. The Black and Whites have placed a lot of faith in the talented crop of youngsters coming through and Hardaker looks set to take on a leadership role, offering guidance, support and maybe a coaching tip or two as well.

Goal kicking

Hull have been without a consistent goal kicker since the decision was made to let Marc Sneyd join Salford Red Devils in 2022. Sneyd dominated from the kicking tee during his time at the club and his departure left the club without an established option.

As such, the likes of Liam Sutcliffe, Ben Reynolds, Darnell McIntosh and Jack Charles have taken that responsibility on over the last couple of months but only the latter will be at the club next season. That’s a role Hardaker looks more than capable of making his own then, having kicked with regularity throughout his career.

Versatility

Hardaker may have spent much of the last few seasons playing in the centres, but he has played in pretty much every position across the backline over the course of his career. The former Penrith Panthers man has spent much of his career as a full-back, while he has also played on the wing and in the halves, stepping back into the spine as recently as last month briefly for Leigh.
Therefore, while he will be seen at centre more often than not, he does give John Cartwright options should injuries pile up elsewhere on the field.

Weaknesses

Age

We’ve already mentioned the experience Hardaker has, but he will be 33 by the time next season gets underway. With that in mind, a two-year deal has to be considered something of a risk as the Pontefract-born back edges towards the twilight of his career.

He’s been a key man for Leigh this season but his form has been inconsistent and that could be a sign that he is struggling to reach the heights of years gone by physically. He’s got over the line once all season and with two assists to his name, his stats don’t exactly jump off the page.

Off the field issues

It’s impossible to discuss the pros and cons of signing Hardaker without taking a look at the controversies and issues that have plagued his career. Without covering old ground regarding his drugs ban and the incidents that went before, what will be most concerning is that he is currently banned from driving and will be for the duration of his two-year contract.

The Leigh man was found guilty of driving without due care and driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol as recently as February and was handed a three-year ban. That follows the 20-month ban he was handed in 2018 for drink driving.