Zak Hardaker explains Leigh Leopards’ departure as Hull FC’s move from 2025 is confirmed.
Zak Hardaker insists that a contract offer from a club ‘like Hull FC’ is something to’sit up and listen to’, as his move to the MKM Stadium in 2025 is confirmed.
LoveRugbyLeague exclusively revealed FC’s interest in the 32-year-old in May, and almost two months later, his signing has been made public.
Hardaker, a three-time Super League champion, will join the Airlie Birds on a two-year contract, making them the sixth club he has played for in the British game, having also appeared 11 times in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers.
The versatile back will join Hull alongside Leigh captain John Asiata, who has signed a three-year deal with the Black and Whites.
In addition, new FC boss John Cartwright will have Salford Red Devils hooker Amir Bourouh and playmaker Jordan Abdull at his disposal in 2025.
Zak Hardaker explains Leigh Leopards’ departure as Hull FC’s move from 2025 is confirmed.
Hardaker joined Leigh as they rebranded under the ‘Leopards tagline ahead of the 2023 season, and he has made 44 appearances for Adrian Lam’s side to date, helping them win the Challenge Cup last August.
But, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, the eight-time England international admits he was excited about Hull’s offer as soon as he heard about it.
The veteran stated in FC’s press release confirming his signing: “When a club like Hull FC wants to bring you in, you tend to sit up and listen, and I’m really excited to join a club like this for 2025.
“The MKM Stadium has always been a favorite place for me to play, and I’m excited to call it my new home ground starting next season.
“Next year will be my sixteenth year of professional football, and I hope that the experience I’ve gained over the years will be extremely beneficial to many of the promising young players emerging at the club, whom I’ve had the pleasure of watching in recent weeks.”
“Zak has accomplished almost everything there is to achieve in the sport… he is a winner.” Hull FC chief gives high praise to new recruit
Also a two-time Great Britain international, Hardaker reached 350 career appearances earlier this season.
He and Hull’s Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, briefly played together for Leeds in 2022, when they helped the Rhinos reach the Super League Grand Final.
And Myler had high praise for FC’s newest recruit, saying: “We’re delighted to be adding one of the game’s most experienced outside-backs to our ranks next season in Zak.”
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