Hardaker to make decision on return home

Zak Hardaker says he will wait untill he returns to England before making a decision on where he is playing in 2017.

Hardaker’s Penrith side were knocked out of the NRL semi finals on Saturday by Canberra.

The 2015 Man of Steel has been linked to a host of Super League clubs, including Catalans and Hull KR, for next season.

“I’m not sure yet,” he told Love Rugby League.

“I’m just going to wait till I get home, I’ll try and sort it out then and talk to the people I need to talk to, and see what their situation is.

“I’ve been speaking to my manager and a few teams have been asking about me so I should be right.”

Hardaker was loaned to the Panthers from Leeds mid-season. The fullback admits he was surprised to see comments from the Rhinos that he won’t be at Headingley in 2017.

“That was interesting to find out,” he said.

“I’m still contracted to Leeds so I was under the illusion I could just go back to Leeds if nothing worked out here.

“But I saw that Leeds said I probably wouldn’t be going back there so that was interesting to read.

“So I thought OK, I’ll have to try and sort something out.

Hardaker said staying in the NRL longer is also an option.

“I might stay here,” the 24-year old said.

“One of the most important things is that I knew I can compete at this level.

“I’ll see what happens at the end of this year, if Penrith want me or not.

“If I go back to Super League I’m pretty happy with what I’ve achieved.”