Rohan Smith has revealed he was centrally involved in the decision to bring Zak Hardaker back to Leeds Rhinos. Hardaker has returned to Headingley on a deal until the end of the season, with the move coming in between Smith's unveiling as the new Leeds coach and his arrival in the country.
That left some suggesting what, if any, role Smith had in deciding that the Rhinos would launch a move to re-sign Hardaker after his sudden release from Wigan Warriors. But Smith stressed that he was involved every step of the way, and is keen to work with the England international when he is cleared to return to action.
"That one was very much a club decision where a few of us spoke about it," Smith said on Tuesday at his first media conference since arriving in England.
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"I had a conversation with Zak where he understood where I was coming from, and he was very keen to be involved. We had all the conversations prior to the announcement.
"I'm looking forward to working with everyone and I'm looking forward to building all those new relationships, but I'm keen to start getting to know Zak and to get coaching him."
Hardaker is currently unavailable for selection after suffering a seizure away from the rugby field just days before he was due to to make his second debut for Leeds last Friday.
The club are awaiting the results of extensive medical testing before Hardaker can be declared available for selection once again, but Smith offered a positive update on Tuesday when asked about the condition of the former Man of Steel.
"It was unfortunate, the situation which occurred," he said.
"I've only got a very vague update, which is that the first overview of testing were all positive results, meaning that he's good. That's good news, there may be some other results waiting to be finalised or fed back to us and we're hoping to et those soon."
