Zak Hardaker has signed a new deal at Leeds Rhinos to keep him in place at the club until 2019.

The full-back joined the current Super League leaders from Featherstone Rovers in 2011, scoring 60 tries for the Loiners during that time.

Hardaker has proved to be a key player for Leeds in recent years, and boss Brian McDermott was delighted to see the 23-year-old commit for a further four seasons.

"I am really pleased for Zak himself that he has agreed this new contract and committed his future to the club and our competition," he told the club's official website. "Zak has had some well publicised ups and downs in his career but there is no doubting his ability on the field.

"His work ethic and commitment on and off the field this season can not be questioned and I think over the next few years he will mature into a world class player. It should not be underestimated how big an achievement it is by the club to keep the likes of Zak, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Joel Moon and Tom Briscoe at our club on long term contracts.

"Our members and the fanbase are a huge part of that, the support the players get creates a bond between the players and the club, a bond that is very hard to break and makes staying at this club a great option for all our players."

Leeds play host to St Helens this evening in a huge top-of-the-table clash.