RL Today: Zak Hardaker to Leeds, Rushton debut & Wigan prop hailed

Drew Darbyshire
Zak Hardaker Wigan SWpix

Zak Hardaker | Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Zak Hardaker set for Leeds return

Former Wigan full-back or centre Zak Hardaker is on the verge of making a return to Leeds Rhinos. (Leeds Live)

The 30-year-old, who will be hoping to play for England at this year’s World Cup, was released by Wigan last week. Hardaker is now a free agent and is set to return to the Rhinos, whom he played for between 2011-17, according to Leeds Live.

FUTURE: Four potential destinations for Zak Hardaker

Rushton makes his mark in NRL

Blackpool-born forward Harry Rushton made his NRL debut at the weekend for Canberra Raiders.

The 20-year-old joined the Raiders ahead of the 2021 season on a three-year deal from Super League giants Wigan.

Big praise for Wigan prop

Wigan coach Matt Peet was impressed with off-season recruit Kaide Ellis in their 30-24 win over Salford yesterday.

 The Australian prop served a five-match suspension earlier this season but has provided two standout displays upon his return to action.

On Ellis, Peet said: “He started the game like a house on fire and I thought he did some good things.

“He played a good chunk of minutes. It has probably worked out well that in some ways he has come in fresh. He has attacked these games and hopefully we get the same from Brad (Singleton) on Friday.

“I think Kaide has shown what he can do, he has probably had his best games in the last two weeks.”

Hull KR star’s international ambitions

Hull KR prop George King says he is hoping to represent Ireland in his second World Cup this autumn.

When asked if he wants to play in this year’s World Cup, King replied: “I’ll playing for Ireland, for sure.

“Like every nation, we are going there to shake things up and we want to hit the ground running.”

Super League needs a strong Leeds

Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock is fascinated to see another Smith take on the coaching reins at Headingley. (Mirror)

In his column for the Mirror, Peacock wrote: “The competition as a whole needs a strong Leeds side: people who aren’t rugby league fans recognise the name of Leeds Rhinos.”

Classy Channel 4 content

This four-minute TV package from Channel 4 is just superb to watch. More stuff like this in rugby league, please!

Birthdays

Australia, Queensland and North Queensland Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston turns 39 today (April 25).

Also celebrating; ex-Salford and London half-back Liam Foran (34), former Castleford and Wakefield winger Richard Owen (32) and Newcastle Thunder winger Jack Johnson (

Trivia

Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton made his 400th career appearance in last night’s 14-8 win over Catalans Dragons.

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022

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