Zak Hardaker may be handed a Super League lifeline by Wigan Warriors after head coach Shaun Wane admitted his interest in the sacked Castleford Tigers full-back.
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England international Hardaker left the Tigers on Wednesday, four months after it was confirmed he missed their Grand Final defeat to Leeds Rhinos due to a failed drugs test.
The 26-year-old has yet to learn what punishment he will face from UK Anti-doping.
Wigan have emerged as potential candidates to offer a fresh chance to Hardaker, but Wane – while admiring his qualities – is unaware if a deal is in place.
"He's a fantastic player, Zak. Any player that comes up of his calibre we'd be interested in," said Wane.
"But I've not heard anything at all – I don't look after that, it's down to [owner] Ian [Lenagan] and [general manager] Rads [Kris Radlinski]. I admire him a lot, but I like a lot of players in Super League and the NRL.
"He's a natural rugby player and can play anywhere – like John Bateman. He's a great player but there's many others, not all of them available.
"To me he's just a player, if someone like him becomes available we'll always be interested in that."