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 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