Hardaker becomes a Knight!
York Knights are delighted to confirm the signing of former Great Britain and England international, Zak Hardaker, thanks to support from Squad Builder!
He joins on a two year deal, after two years at Hull FC where he made 46 appearances, claiming their Player of the Year award last year.
Able to play in the centres, at full-back or in the halves, the experienced Hardaker featured in the pack last year for Hull while they struggled with an injury crisis.
Starting his professional career in 2010 with Featherstone, the 34 year-old went on to play for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards before moving over to East Yorkshire.
In his time with Leeds, he won three Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge, as well as spending time on loan with Penrith in the NRL.
Hardaker won the prestigious Super League Man of Steel award in 2015, and he’s been included in the Dream Team three times.
On his move to the Knights, Hardaker said: “I’m really excited to be joining York for the ‘27 and ‘28 season
“It’s all come to fruition quickly, but after speaking to Mash and hearing the aspirations of York and where they’re wanting to go, and the experience I can bring to the club and the squad, made me very excited to join.
“I’m really looking forward to joining up with the team after the off season and seeing what we can achieve together over the next few years. Up the Knights!”
Head coach, Mark Applegarth said: “I’m delighted to have Zak over the line. He brings with him a wealth of experience.
“He’s the ultimate competitor. The best compliment I can give Zak is that every game I’ve watched him or previewed against him, he’s the most competitive player on the field and that’s what we want at York.
“He’s a player that’s been there and done it all in a long and illustrious career.
“We want those sort of values to reflect into bringing on our York team. We think he’s going to be great for a few of our younger end.
“He leads by example and I’m really looking forward to seeing him in a York Knights' shirt.”
Support our IMG score and follow York RLFC's social media channels!
#OurEra | #ThisisYork ⚔
Seeing Hardaker land a two-year deal after that Hull FC Player of the Year season makes me think he still has plenty left.
<a href="https://image2-5.org/
">image 2.5</a>
I remember watching him at Leeds and his experience could really tighten up a backline.
Handing a two-year deal to a former international after a player-of-the-year season feels like a proven-quantity signing, unlike the usual gamble on younger prospects.
<a href="https://nano-bananapro.com/
">nano banana pro</a>
It should raise standards immediately, though I’m curious whether the squad has room for that experience to actually shape the younger lads.
Seeing Hardaker land a two-year deal at York makes me think about how valuable that Hull Player of the Year form still is.
<a href="https://nano-banana2.com/
">nano banana 2</a>
I watched a few Hull games last season and his positional play stood out; if he stays fit, York's backline looks immediately stronger.