Zak Hardaker is past proving a point but admitted: Sometimes I can’t help myself. The ex-Leeds and Wigan star has linked up with Hull after a colourful career that’s seen more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Often dogged by controversy off the field, he’s also a serial winner and it’s the latter trait that the Black and Whites hope to enjoy.
Hapless Hull finished 11th last season after a humiliating campaign. They urgently need a rebirth under incoming Aussie coach John Cartwright. And former England centre Hardaker, recruited from Super League rivals Leigh for 2025, sees no reason why they can’t, despite naysayers reckoning they are already doomed. He said: “I don’t think I need to prove anything any more.
“But, on the other hand, it is me and sometimes I just can’t help myself. When I was in my first year at Leigh [2023], people said we’d finish bottom and get relegated. Yep. OK. We won the Challenge Cup. “The year after there were loads of injuries but we came close to a good finish again [Super League semi-finals]. I’ve come to Hull and people have said why have you gone there, they’ll finish bottom?.
“As much as I don’t have to prove anything as I’ve been there and done it, I just love competing, training and winning. It’s a massive opportunity here.". The former Man of Steel, who won three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge with Rhinos, is among friends, too. John Asiata, Ed Chamberlain and Oli Holmes have all also joined Hull from Leigh while Tom Briscoe made the switch last April.
