Castleford Tigers: Hardaker's found his '˜happy place'

Hardaker has joined Tigers on loan for the 2017 season with a view to the deal being made permanent after that.

The 2015 Man of Steel was transfer-listed by Leeds in June and finished the season on loan at Australian club Penrith Panthers.

And he reckons the stint in Australia has transformed his outlook as he prepares for a return to Betfred Super League.

Reflecting on the past few months, Hardaker said: “Going to Australia is a bit of a daunting task.

“Not many people go over there and come back the same person. I was adamant I wanted to go over there, get a bit of a fresh start and get my mind fully recharged and focused on what I want in life.

“I did that. I managed to play 11 or 12 games, scored a try and for me that’s what I wanted to achieve before I went over, so I am absolutely over the moon with that.

“I wouldn’t change a thing about going over. I think my mindset has changed massively and that’s what has helped the the last few months – just being happy.

“I have found out over the last few years that when I am happy off the pitch it reflects on it. That’s the mindset I am going through this year, just to be happy and enjoy life.

“That’s a big thing going into this year. The way I go about things is different, I feel like I am a lot more grown up. Being out in Australia has helped me massively, it has made me grow up a bit and that has helped me going into this year for sure.”

Hardaker won three Grand Finals with Leeds and the Challenge Cup and league leaders’ shield twice each, but was also dogged by disciplinary issues and admitted he has learned some tough lessons.

He added: “Everything that could go wrong in a rugby career has done.

“I have pretty much scraped the barrel, but I am hoping that is going to help me through hopefully the next 10 years.

“You live and learn. I have had to learn sometimes the hard way, but so be it.

“I have come out the other end pretty well and I just want to continue that road now and hopefully do really well.”

Hardaker confirmed there was interest from other clubs – including a possible loan deal at NRL outfit Newcastle Knights – but Castleford was his top option for 2017. He said: “I am really glad it’s sorted and excited for what will hopefully be a great year. My mum works in Castleford so everybody’s been asking if I’m coming here.

“The deal went through on Sunday, but talks have been on-going for a few weeks now.

“There were a few other clubs as well, which I don’t think I was that interested in. I was offered Newcastle on loan for a year, but I wasn’t really interested.

“Being out there [in Australia] on my own, it was a bit different to being here.