Jamie Jones-Buchanan has declared interest in bringing Zak Hardaker back to Leeds Rhinos - but insists it is not his decision to make. Hardaker is a free agent following his release from Wigan Warriors and has been linked with a shock move back to Headingley.
The Rhinos lost both Liam Sutcliffe and Tom Briscoe to injury during the win over Toulouse Olympique, further deepening the woeful injury crisis currently taking place at the club. Hardaker's availability and ability to play in the positions the Rhinos are currently short in provides the club with an interesting decision to make.
Hardaker won three Grand Finals and a Man of Steel award during his first spell with the club, eventually leaving in 2016. Jones-Buchanan played with Hardaker during his first stint and he said: "I hope Zak is well first a foremost. As you know, I have some really fond memories of Zak.
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"What stood out with me is when we made as Good As It Gets is how forthcoming he's always been with the difficulties and challenges he's had. He's had problems at Cas, England Wigan, but he never hides behind that and is the first to admit that. There are a lot of his old friends there who love him to bits.
"We all recognise the character that he is. I'd be more than willing to put my arm around him in whichever shape or form. We're talking about culture and it's really important for these young blokes that we get the right people in that set the right example.
"That would be up to Rohan (Smith) and Gary Hetherington whether they're going to allow Zak in. His potential as a player is phenomenal so in that regard, yes, I would, for sure. Would I be willing to put my arm around him and look after him, yes, for sure. But again, that would be up to Rohan and Gary as to whether that would happen."
