VIDEO: '˜Time for a change' - Zak Hardaker only interested in proving true value to Castleford Tigers

Zak Hardaker. during training at Englands Elite Performance Squad (EPS) training session at Hopwood Hall College, Manchester earlier this week. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The England full-back scored 67 tries in 155 appearances for Leeds, winning three Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups.

He is currently on a season-long loan at derby rivals Castleford ahead of a proposed permanent transfer and the sides meet at Wheldon Road tonight.

Hardaker, who has helped impressive Tigers to thrilling wins in both their opening games this year, endured some troubles on and off the field at Headingley which partly led to his exit.

Asked if in an ideal world he would still be with his parent club, he admitted: “Yes, but you can say that about anything can’t you? Things happen in life and things change.

“It was just something ... it was time for a change for myself and I just thought it’d be in best interests for both parties that I’d not be there …

“I’m not really bothered about what I need to prove to Leeds or anyone. As long as I play well and play well for Castleford that’s all I’m bothered about, really.”

Castleford, who have never won a league championship in their 91-year history, will top the early table if they maintain their 100 per cent start tonight.

Zak Hardaker joins arms with Greg Minikin and Tom Holmes, during the Castleford Tigers media day in January. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Hardaker is thriving and looking like the player who claimed the ‘Man of Steel’ for treble-winning Leeds in 2015.

Knowing what it takes to lift the title, the 25-year-old is encouraged by the early signs

“Just looking from the last couple of seasons, Cas have been progressing very well and always done better than the previous year,” said Hardaker.

“So if you go by that, hopefully we finish top-four and then it’s up to us. It’s in our hands.

“We have the squad for it, the coaching staff and the belief so as long as we’ve got all that and take it into each week I’m sure we can be there at the end.

“We’ve started off pretty well but can’t rest on our laurels.

“We need to keep going and this is a massive game now against Leeds, the first time I’ve faced them and one I looked out for as soon as the fixtures were announced.”

Hardaker scored his first try for Castleford in their brilliant 30-20 win at World Club Series victors Warrington last Friday.

But their squad strength will be tested after former England stand-off Rangi Chase was dropped for tonight after an internal investigation and Benny Roberts was injured in training.

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