England ace Zak Hardaker agrees long-term deal to stay at Castleford Tigers
Full-back has starred in a loan spell from Leeds Rhinos
ZAK HARDAKER is staying at Castleford after a sensational loan spell.
And SunSport has learned it may be for up to FOUR YEARS.
The Tigers have thrashed out a six-figure transfer fee with Leeds, believed to be in the region of £150,000, to make the full-back’s move permanent from next season.
Sources say a deal has been hammered out and signed after Hardaker played such a key role in seeing Daryl Powell’s men six points clear at the top of Super League.
The 25-year-old has scored three tries but has provided 12 assists as his form earned him an England recall for last month’s victory over Samoa.
Hardaker also wants a spot in Wayne Bennett’s squad for the World Cup this Autumn.
But his future at club level is believed to be sorted at least, with Castleford still confident of receiving a huge windfall as their case claiming £500,000 compensation from Denny Solomona’s move to Sale RU is set to go to trial.
One player Cas failed to get for next year is Mark Flanagan, who signed a new deal at Salford.
And he could be joined at the Red Devils by New Zealand winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who has been dumped by NRL side Sydney Roosters.
However, the 29-year-old, once a target for St Helens, is set to face a court hearing after allegedly being caught in possession of cocaine.
NRL side Newcastle Knights is also keen on landing the Kiwi international.
