The veteran had a superb first year at Hull FC.
Hull FC celebrate a try against Warrington.
Sometimes a player can land at a club and everything just falls into place. That’s certainly been the case for Zak Hardaker at Hull FC.
In his element, Hardaker has thrived at the Black and Whites, developing into a key mentor to the younger members of the squad and continuing the theme of the last few years of his career.
No longer in the headlines for the wrong reasons, the FC ace, by his own admission, has grown up, and he is now reaping the rewards, both on and off the field.
Earning his keep, Hardaker practised what he preached in 2025 and no matter where he played, he performed in the only way he knows how: 110% and nothing less. That attitude saw him quickly become a fan favourite and the club’s triple Player of the Year.
And Hardaker did it all with a smile on his face, enjoying himself on the pitch and away at a club that he genuinely believes in – and who returns the favour in equal measure.
“It was a good year for me on and off the field,” Hardaker, speaking to Hull Live, said. “I was just really happy, not just with my form and my family, but in terms of the club as well. It really felt as the year went on that the fans, the sponsors, etc., really got on board with us and really believed in us.
“Everyone is behind the ethos that Andrew (Thirkill), David (Hood), and Richie (Myler) are setting up, and that’s to get the club back at number one. Whether it takes a couple of years or a bit longer, everyone is on board with that, and I think they’re all excited to see what happens now.
“But yeah, going back to my own form, I was just happy, and that has always been key for me. Wherever I played, I tried to give 110% and that went for everyone, really, with a strong work ethic and the right attitude.
“If we can take something away from last season, it was when we had all the injuries and we had people slotting in; they gave it their best shot. That was a squad-wide thing and we all did our bit. It’s the sign of a strong group and now we’re looking to kick on.
“We’ll try to keep as many lads on the field as possible going into the new year and if we do that, we’re pretty confident we’ll have a successful year.”
For Hardaker, his growth has been there to see, both as a leader and as a person. On the field, he’s like a fine wine. He competes for everything and never gives in, but off it, he’s matured, down to earth and family-orientated – evolving into a true leader of the side.
“I’m a lot older now; I’m 34, and I’ve got two kids that are growing up pretty fast,” Hardaker explained. “Over the years, I’ve been on my own, just a lad growing up, and I found some challenges that were a bit more difficult to handle, but being older now, and with a young family, it’s stuff you can’t do – you know, what I did when I was younger.
“It’s about growing up and I think I’ve done that. The last couple of years at Leigh, I’ve been really good, and then crossing over to Hull, it’s just continued.
“For me, it’s just about leading by example and leading by my actions. I’ve really tried to do that. There are a lot of young lads here that look up to older players, first and foremost, and then to help them train and look after themselves away from the pitch is something that I’ve really enjoyed doing.
“I’m excited to continue it next season. I’ve always been in a leadership role, but I let myself down away from the rugby part. Inside the rugby world and on the pitch, I’ve always been someone who talks quite loudly and who likes to lead by actions as well. It’s just all come together really well at Hull. It’s a great club to be a part of.”
That excitement for the future is rife in Hardaker, who is now targeting the next level after restoring pride in a club that finished seventh last season. with everything again based off hard work.
“We just want to be the best team possible,” Hardaker added. “I’m looking forward to the year. We showed last year that we can compete with the best and I think we’ve improved from last year’s squad as well.
“We’re looking forward to it. We’re working hard in pre-season at the minute and then the games come thick and fast at the back end of January. We just need to keep our feet grounded and keep working hard until then, but make no mistake about it, we’ll be raring to go.”