Brian McDermott confirms Featherstone’s interest in Zak Hardaker

Featherstone head coach Brian McDermott has confirmed the club’s interest in free agent Zak Hardaker. However, he believes the England international will search for a full-time environment. 

Hardaker is currently a free agent having been released by Wigan earlier last week.

The 30-year-old was released by the Warriors to return to his family base in Yorkshire. That leaves a select handful of clubs for Hardaker to target, with Featherstone and Leeds becoming the apparent two favourites.

The full-back, centre or winger began his career with Featherstone in 2010, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Hunslet. He went on to score 22 tries in 14 games before being picked up by Leeds in 2011.

Speaking on Premier Sports, Featherstone boss McDermott confirmed the club’s interest in Hardaker, having previously worked together at Headingley Stadium.

McDermott confirms Zak Hardaker interest

“First off, Zak’s already played for Featherstone,” McDermott told Ross Fiddes on Premier Sports.

“Leeds Rhinos selected him from Featherstone, so he understands the club. He knows the owner really well.

“Of course there would be interest from the club for Zak.

“We all know what animal Zak is and I mean that with respect; we all know that he’s a colourful character and you don’t sign him on without understanding he brings some of that with him.

“Your aim is to try and manage it. I think Zak’s in a good place.

“I haven’t spoken to him, but the club is interested.”

However, McDermott believes his former Rhinos full-back will look for a full-time club for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.

“I don’t think he’ll sign with us by the way,” he added. “I think he’ll look for a full-time environment. But that’s not to say we wouldn’t have him if he came to us.”

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