Leeds Rhinos full-back Zac Hardaker hopes to face Huddersfield
Thursday 28 April 2016 15:54, UK
Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker is confident of being fit for their Super League derby against fellow strugglers Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night.
The England international was taken off with a badly-cut forehead and concussion early in the second half of the Rhinos' 38-34 defeat at St Helens last Friday and must now pass the mandatory head test before he can face the Giants.
Hardaker remains confident of being passed fit and Leeds also hope to have former Huddersfield forward Brett Ferres and skipper Danny McGuire back for a match that is crucial for the sides' hopes of breaking into the top-eight.
"It's a massive game," he said. "I was watching the other game at the weekend and they talked about a bottom-of-the-table clash with Leeds and it gets me every time, to be associated with the bottom of the table.
"It's going to be an interesting game, especially with Brett Ferres back. Hopefully we get Danny McGuire back as well, which would be a massive help."
Hardaker suffered a deep cut in his forehead that required 14 stitches in the changing room as the Rhinos suffered a ninth defeat in 12 games at Langtree Park last time out.
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"It was annoying. I had to do a few tests in the changing rooms," he added.
"The doctor asked me to recite the months backwards and I got all the way to June and my mind went blank.
"He said 'you've failed so you can't go back on'. I was sat in the changing room hearing the roar of the crowd and, although we didn't get the win, from what I've heard the boys had a real, good dig."
Watch Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos on Friday night. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 2 HD at 7:30pm, or watch live for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
