Leigh Leopards have a huge number of players going off contract at the end of the 2024 season and one of those is Zak Hardaker with the future of the 32-year-old remaining uncertain.
Zak Hardaker has been one of Super League’s leading players across his decade-plus career with the back starring for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Wigan Warriors and now Leigh Leopards.
During his time at Headingley, he was crowned Man of Steel and he then was among the candidates to win again during his 2017 season at Castleford where he helped guide the club to the Grand Final.
After a spell at Wigan before a brief return to Headingley, Hardaker has found his home at the Leigh Sports Village but the full-back/centre is out of contract at the end of the season, prompting the question of who will sign Zak Hardaker.
Of course, the Leopards will likely make a play to retain his services but with so many players off-contract including fellow stars such as John Asiata, Josh Charnley, Ricky Leutele and Tom Amone, then it could be that the salary cap gets squeezed. That’s something that owner Derek Beaumont has spoken about recently.
A full list of those out-of-contract Leigh players and all others in Super League can be read here.
Where will Zak Hardaker be playing in 2025?
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds Rhinos
They had to be top of the list! Zak Hardaker has already made a return to Headingley once and there’s plenty to suggest he could do so again. Hardaker will be 33 when the new season comes around but the Rhinos have shown that age is no concern as they’ve signed another former player in Ryan Hall, who will be 37 before a ball is kicked next season.
Hardaker will offer plenty of cover in the centres and also at full-back with Leeds currently having an injury crisis across their backline, something that may be a continuing problem given Harry Newman and his unfortunate injury record. A move back to Headingley could also see him notch his 200th appearance for the club where he made himself a name.
Wakefield Trinity
Trinity are quite likely to be a Super League side in 2025 and they are another team that could make a strong case for signing Zak Hardaker. They’re a side showing lots of ambition but they’ve recruited lots of younger players meaning that an older head like Hardaker could prove very important.
It would also see Hardaker reunited with Daryl Powell who was his coach during his stint at Castleford Tigers, arguably when the 32-year-old played his best rugby. Under Powell, Hardaker could find a resurgence and be part of a side that is on the up, just like the Tigers were in 2017.
Hull FC
A bit of a wildcard team but Hull FC could be a good landing spot for Hardaker with the Black and Whites looking set to have problems at centre. Hardaker would be reunited with Liam Sutcliffe and also has connections with Richie Myler, FC’s new Director of Rugby who leads recruitment.
Currently, Hull FC have a lack of depth at centre and it looks almost certain that former club captain Carlos Tuimavave will leave at the end of the season with the ex-skipper out of contract and having been plagued by injuries of late. Cam Scott is another player in that position who is set to go off-contract and it seems that the club will be desperate for talent and experience in that position. Plenty will depend on a coaching hire but Hull FC could definitely have an interest in Zak Hardaker.
