Zak Hardaker insists he's no closer to knowing whether the Grand Final was his last in a Leeds Rhinos shirt. Hardaker, a three-time Super League champion with the Rhinos, featured in the loss to St Helens, seven years since being part of the treble-winning side that won at the Theatre of Dreams.
The 30-year-old returned to Headingley midway through the season on a short-term deal that expires at the end of November. He has proven to be a key part of the Rhinos' rejuvenation and was arguably their best player in the 24-12 loss to St Helens, making a break that helped create Kruise Leeming's score just before half-time.
His future is now the source of conversation once again with supporters desperate to see him remain at the club moving forward. However, Leeds' salary cap issues have been well documented and it's understood that no deal has yet been agreed between the club and Hardaker's representatives.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherinton explains Zak Hardaker contract position and salary cap issue
When asked about his future with Leeds following the Grand Final, he said: "I'm no closer. Everyone thinks I'm telling lies but it's a process that is going on.
"I'm pretty chilled about it, there have been important games. My agents are working in the background and we'll see where it goes."
Hardaker left the Old Trafford changing rooms philosophical. It was the first time he had tasted defeat at the Theatre of Dreams having won on his previous three visits. It was also his first return since he was infamously stood down days before the 2017 showpiece when he was due to turn out for Castleford Tigers after failing a drugs test.
When asked about his emotions, he smiled and said: "I was just really grateful to be here in the first place given what's happened with me this year. I was happy to be back in Yorkshire playing for Leeds and then we want on this crazy, mad run. It's been a great, eventful story and just to be here is an amazing task.
"I'm proud of myself, all the players, the staff, the club really, to be here and have a really good dig against a champion team. I'm alright, obviously disappointed we lost but otherwise, I'm pretty good. I was just happy to play a game and get my best rugby underneath my feet again. I was really confident within three or four weeks of being back at Leeds we'd be in the play-offs. We've had a really good dig, earned the right to be here tonight, but we didn't win."
His return has allowed him to reconnect with the Rhinos fanbase, who have welcomed him back to the club with open arms.
"They've been amazing. The first game at Headingley was tremendous. When they chant my name, it's really good. I'm really thankful to be at this club, the fans have been amazing. It's a shame tonight was one too far but the fans kept chanting our name, singing the team song, it was brilliant, even when the game was over."
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