He looks to have settled down massively and seems to be in a good place. This is only looking on from the outside, of course. I hope we're here in 2 or 3 years saying the same thing, not just for our team's sake but for Zak himself. He appears to be happier than I've seen him in the past. I wouldn't know if that's to do with being away from the old influences, Zak himself maturing or something else but, whatever it is, long may it continue. He's been excellent this year and a big part of us being where we are this season.

The one thing that strikes you about him when you see interviews with players online or stuff on social media is how popular he seems as a person. He seems the sort of lad who’s mates with everyone rather than being part of a clique and people look to enjoy being around him.

He’s prone to messing up but he seems a decent person and one thing that’s surprised me on the field is that he looks a good leader. He’s always offering direction and encouragement and if it wasn’t for the doubt in the back of your mind over last misdemeanours, you’d potentially see him as a future captain.

I said on a previous thread that he always seems to be the first over to congratulate a try or to offer encouragement after a mistake. It was particularly noticeable the other week when Harry Smith threw a bad pass. He came across really well on the interview he did with Sarge too. Seems like a popular lad. I really hope he's found a long term answer to his past demons. He's always had the ability but lacked the mental fortitude to make the most of it. If he's sorted that side of it I think we'll see him going from strength to strength, especially with the incoming players for 2020.

Zak is my favourite Wigan player at the minute. He’s stepping up as a leader on and off the pitch and his performances have been consistently good throughout the season. Could he actually be a future captain? It was suggested on Twitter by someone a few months ago but if he keeps his powder dry (pun not intended) and stays on the right side of the behavioural line, it’s a real possibility for me.

Glad he’s doing well.
As I’ve always said, player welfare comes above club rivalry.
Long may it continue (just not against Cas).

Well said.

Presumably he is away from his "mates". Looks to have matured greatly. A little too much looking at his hair! Good to see him doing what he does best again!

Looks like he's playing centre for GB going off preliminary squad.

https://www.totalrl.com/zak-hardaker-di ... d-boy-tag/

https://www.totalrl.com/zak-hardaker-di ... d-boy-tag/

No issues with Zak as a centre. GB were out muscled and bashed about as soon as Tonga got into their sets.
Pack has difficulty setting up matching their go forward leaving the backs no platform to play from.

Was just like watching us last year, desperately hoping for a bit of individual genius to break the defence.

Yeah. Pack dominated. Thompson getting injured; Hill offering little saw us battered up front.
Often ending our sets with a defensive clearance or an attempted 40/20 rather than an attacking kick in their half.
So difficult playing behind a beaten pack.

Plus it has to be the first time the 1,6 and 7 played together ever. Probably only had a few training sessions together.

It’s not making me grow up

He’s not playing on Sat due to an injury, anyone know whether it’s bad or not?

He’s still in the gym looking at his Instagram and he’s been named 19th man so looks very minor.