Leeds Rhinos supporters have reacted excitedly after the club posted birthday wishes to Zak Hardaker with a picture of him wearing next season’s kit – raising hopes the former Man of Steel is staying at Headingley. Hardaker rejoined the Rhinos earlier this year following his abrupt departure from Wigan Warriors and proved a key figure in their dramatic resurgence under Rohan Smith.
The eight-time Super League champions reached the Grand Final, losing to all-conquering St Helens, but the short-term deal that Hardaker signed is due to expire. Headingley supremo Gary Hetherington recently told Leeds Live that Leeds are keen to keep Hardaker beyond this season, but that salary cap restrictions made that difficult.
After Hardaker turned 31 today, Leeds posted a picture of the full-back in the 2023 Rhinos kit with on Twitter accompanied by the words: “Wishing a Happy Birthday to @zakhardaker1” and a birthday cake emoji. That sent Leeds fans into a frenzy of excitement, with many replying to the tweet with pleas for Hardaker to be signed up for next season.
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Talks between the Rhinos and Hardaker’s representatives have taken place, but that no deal has yet been agreed. After their loss to New Zealand earlier this month, coach Rohan Smith said: "There will be updates when there are updates but at the moment there's no salary cap room to do anything so until there is nothing can happen. We can't do anything until there is some salary cap room. Currently, Zak is uncontracted and there is no salary cap room to make a move."
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