Zak Hardaker admits he has been left overwhelmed by Leeds Rhinos' interest in bringing him back to the club after opening up on his regret at the manner of his exit from Wigan Warriors. Hardaker has returned to Headingley on a deal until the end of the season, days after leaving their Super League rivals.
Hardaker spent six seasons with the Rhinos, winning three Grand Finals and two Challenge Cup trophies as well as the Man of Steel award. Now, the 30-year-old will look to rebuild his reputation again after leaving the Warriors under a cloud.
Speaking for the first time following his exit, Hardaker discussed his departure with the Rhinos' official website. “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. This started last year when I wanted to get a chance to come home back to Yorkshire with my family. I have got that opportunity thankfully with Leeds and I can’t wait to play in those Friday night games in front of a packed South Stand again. It is definitely a case of ‘you don’t realise what you’ve got until it's gone’ and I think I let my time at the Rhinos the first time pass me by.
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"Even as an away player it is special to play at Headingley, and I am really keen to get going as soon as possible now. In the short term I need to get to know the boys, play in as many games as I can and show what I can do for the Rhinos."
He continued: “It is a strange feeling at the moment, I suppose a bit like going back to your old school. 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. He explained his vision for what this year looks like for Leeds as a team and explained the journey he had been on in his coaching career. I am sure we are both really eager to get over and do our best for the club."
Hardaker confirmed he held conversations with new head coach Rohan Smith and chief executive Gary Hetherington before making the move.
“When I left Wigan, I wasn’t thinking of any specific club to go to but just wanted to get back to Yorkshire and see what happened from there. Gary spoke to my agent and I went to meet him. He brought me up to speed with where the team is at and my focus is on playing well this year for the boys and enjoying my rugby. It is a very talented squad, albeit with injuries to key players at the moment. After our history together, I was surprised and overwhelmed when Leeds came calling and I want to make the most of this opportunity, I think it is a deal that works well for everyone concerned."
