Zak Hardaker is in line to feature in Rohan Smith’s first game in charge of Leeds Rhinos after returning to training on Thursday. Hardaker’s Headingley comeback took a dramatic twist last week when suffered a suspected seizure and subsequently missed the home win against Hull Kingston Rovers.
The 30-year-old full-back made an abrupt exit from Wigan Warriors last month and recently penned a short-team deal at Leeds, where he made his name and won three Super League titles. Hardaker, whose first spell at Headingley saw him win the coveted Steve Prescott Man of Steel award during the Rhinos’ glorious treble-winning campaign in 2015, had been expected to make his second debut for the club against Hull KR last Friday.
Having now returned to training, he could play at Salford Red Devils in Leeds’ next game on Sunday, May 15 as Smith makes his bow. Leeds said on social media on Thursday: “It was great to see Zak Hardaker back at training today. He’s continuing his recovery under the guidance of the club’s medical team.”
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Smith took charge of his first training session on Thursday, having recently been appointed on a three-and-a-half-year deal, landing in England earlier this week.
“It was a good session,” the 40-year-old said. “It was good to meet everybody today and get the ball rolling. They’ve come in fresh and excited after a few days off over the weekend.
“There’s a lot of familiar faces from TV and a bunch of guys that I’ve coached across the years at a bunch of different places. It’s good timing of the back of a challenging period with Easter fixtures. It’s good timing for a fresh start.”
