ZAK’S BACK & LOVING IT
Hardaker eye on new Rhinos deal after a scary start
ZAK HARDAKER is desperate to keep the devil at bay so he can fight for his future at Leeds.
The controversial star was handed a short-term deal by the Rhinos after Wigan let him go in April. It is a move the 30-year-old full-back is revelling in, with his top-class displays coinciding with Leeds’ new-found form.
But the England World Cup hopeful knows he will have to keep proving himself to his critics and new boss Rohan Smith.
“I’m loving life now,” said Hardaker. “Rohan gives us the freedom to express ourselves and I’m getting encouraged to play wherever I find myself in games.
“Rohan seems quite calm and laid-back but I don’t know if there’s a devil inside him that might pop out.
“Hopefully if we keep winning we might not see that devil.”
Hardaker has struggled with his own demons over the years, with a rap sheet that includes a 14-month ban after testing positive for cocaine in 2017 as well as homophobic, assault and drink problems.
He is expecting his second child next month with partner Elisha and says living back in West Yorkshire is bringing out the best in him.
He said: “It wasn’t great for me living here 10 years ago for various reasons but I’m older and a bit wiser now. I’m comfortable with where I am.”
Hardaker hopes that translates into the offer of a new deal from Leeds, saying: “That’s my number one choice but I know that comes down to Rohan.
“I’ll just keep focusing on giving 100 percent.”
Hardaker, who won three Grand Finals in his first stint at Leeds, suffered a shock seizure just hours after re-signing for the club. He has played three games since and said: “Doctors think it was stress related because of the rollercoaster of emotions of leaving Wigan, moving home and signing for Leeds.
“They think I fainted first, fell and banged my head which caused me to have a fit, rather than the seizure coming first.
“I feel fine now but it shows how important it is to take care of yourself which I probably took for granted. Now I’m living every day with a smile on my face.”