Zak Hardaker is on the verge of returning to Leeds Rhinos. Rugby League Live understands talks are at an advanced stage and the Rhinos are set to overcome competition to bring their former star back to Headingley following his exit from Wigan Warriors.
It comes after a whirlwind weekend of talks and negotiations in which several clubs have registered interest in Hardaker's situation. However, the Rhinos have pulled the trigger on a move and it now appears highly likely that they will have the England international within their squad in time for Friday's clash against Hull KR. Final formalities are being tied up but it appears that a deal until the end of the season will be signed.
Injuries to Tom Briscoe and Liam Sutcliffe further heightened the severity of the club's injury crisis and with Hardaker a free agent, they have moved to ensure they have his services in place for at least the rest of the season. Negotiations have developed throughout the weekend and there is an expectation that a deal will be finalised on Monday.
Read more: John Bateman's message to Zak Hardaker following Wigan Warriors departure
Hardaker enjoyed five seasons at Headingley, winning three Grand Finals between 2012 and 2016. He was crowned Man of Steel as the Rhinos won the treble in 2015, won two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge. He subsequently moved to Penrith Panthers before spells with Castleford Tigers and Wigan.
His exploits have come hand in hand with controversy, but the Rhinos have wasted little time putting the wheels in motion for a return to the club as they look to move away from the bottom of Super League. Hardaker requested permission to seek opportunities closer to his West Yorkshire home at the end of last season and now, those wishes are set to be answered.
Interim boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan declared interest in reuniting with Hardaker last week. "That would be up to Rohan (Smith) and Gary Hetherington whether they're going to allow Zak in. His potential as a player is phenomenal so in that regard, yes, I would, for sure. Would I be willing to put my arm around him and look after him, yes, for sure. But again, that would be up to Rohan and Gary as to whether that would happen."
New coach Smith is set to arrive on Thursday and it appears that he will arrive with a new person within the squad. It's understood that the Rhinos are incredibly close to using all of their salary cap and further movement within their squad could occur in order to facilitate Hardaker's arrival.
But unless there's a drastic U-turn, it would appear that Hardaker will be wearing blue and amber once again in the near future.
