Zak Hardaker returns to training with Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Zak Hardaker returned to training on Thursday.

The 30-year-old suffered a suspected seizure earlier last week whilst on a walk with his young son. Hardaker was stood down for medical reasons. 

However, the Super League club have confirmed his return to training today.

They shared on social media: “It was great to see Zak Hardaker back at training today. He’s continuing his recovery under the guidance of the club’s medical team.”

It was great to see @zakhardaker1 back at training today, he’s continuing his recovery under the guidance of the clubs medical team pic.twitter.com/zv8YPVy0ko

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 5, 2022

Rohan Smith takes first training session

Rohan Smith took charge of his first training session as head coach of Leeds Rhinos on Thursday.

The 40-year-old was recently appointed on a three-and-a-half-year deal, landing in England earlier this week.

“It was a good session,” Smith said. “It was good to meet everybody today and get the ball rolling. They’ve come in fresh and excited after a few days off over the weekend.

“There’s a lot of familiar faces from TV and a bunch of guys that I’ve coached across the years at a bunch of different places.

“It’s good timing of the back of a challenging period with Easter fixtures. It’s good timing for a fresh start.”

Smith revealed that he spent 12-hours discussing the future plans of the club with his new coaching staff. Jones-Buchanan and Sean Long remain in the backroom staff at Headingley Stadium.

“It was a great day yesterday with the coaching staff,” Smith added.

“We spent ten or twelve hours pretty much non-stop talking about the path forward and what we’re going to do in this preparation for Salford. It was really enjoyable and it’s great to see and meet the players today.”

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