Hardaker makes Cas move permanent

Castleford have secured the services of Zak Hardaker on a permanent basis.

A new contract begins on 1st July and replaces the current loan deal from Leeds Rhinos, tying the England full-back to the Tigers until at least the end of the 2021 season.

A transfer fee of £150,000 has been agreed between the two clubs.

Hardaker said: “I am really thankful for opportunity that Daryl Powell and Steve Gill gave me to come to Castleford at the start of the season.

“To get the chance to stay here, I just jumped at the offer. I’ve fully enjoyed my time here so far and I think we have a couple of exciting years ahead of us. It was an easy decision to stay here once I got the offer.

“The fans are amazing – it’s quite a close-knit community and they are so loyal. It’s great for myself to be around the club and I really enjoy playing for the people of Cas.”

Tigers’ boss Daryl Powell added: “Signing Zak is a huge deal for the club.

“For quality players and indeed international players to come to Castleford and then want to stay and commit their long-term futures here, I feel says a lot about us as a club.

“Zak is continuing to improve as a player and I believe he will continue to do so over the coming seasons.

“I look forward to working with Zak and helping him to firstly to do something special with Castleford and then grow as an international player and play in the World Cup at the end of the season.”