Man of Steel winner Zak Hardaker returns to Leeds Rhinos
The 30-year-old joins the rugby Super League side on a deal until the end of the season
Leeds Rhinos have announced that Zak Hardaker has re-joined the club for the remainder of the Super League season.
The 30-year-old full back was released from Wigan Warriors last week and has agreed a short-term deal with the club where he made his Super League debut in 2011.
Hardaker perviously won four Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a League Leaders Shield with the Yorkshire side, before leaving in 2016.
He also won Man of Steel in the treble-winning 2015 season.
"I was overwhelmed when Leeds came calling"- Hardaker
Commenting on the move, Zak Hardaker said he is looking forward to be being back in familiar surroundings, but knows he has to to allow his rugby to do the talking on the field.
“It is a strange feeling at the moment, I suppose a bit like going back to your old school" Hardarker said.
"I have fond memories of my time at Leeds and the opportunity to come back this year is really special.
"I have spoken to Rohan Smith so we can get a feel for each other, he is arriving on the same week and it was good to understand what he is looking for.
"The way I left Wigan wasn’t the way I wanted to leave the club but I would like to thank everyone there for the opportunity to play for Wigan.
"I think this is a deal that works well for everyone concerned", Hardarker added.
"We had to move quickly"- Chief Exec
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: “We have had to move quickly to secure the services of Zak for the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, we have suffered injuries to our backline with Liam Sutcliffe and Tom Briscoe the latest to join that list during Friday night’s win over Toulouse."
“I have spoken to Zak on a number of occasions over the last few days and he spoke with Rohan Smith over the weekend.
The short-term contract works for all parties in this unique situation, and I am sure Zak will be aiming to show his best form on the field now he is back in blue and amber.
Credit must also go to Jamie Jones-Buchanan who was open to welcoming his former team mate back into our environment,” added Hetherington.