Soward managed just 16 games in the UK over two seasons, the second of which was a mid-season stint this year after leaving the Panthers.

Hardaker, who has played over 150 games for the Rhinos, said Soward’s comments “should be taken with a grain of salt”.

“If it came from someone like Cooper Cronk then you could understand, but when Jamie Soward came over I thought he was rubbish,” Hardaker told English publication Love Rugby League.

“You can’t really listen to a guy who came over, played for London, was probably one of their worst players.

“No one wanted him at the Panthers, then he goes to play Championship.

“You can’t really listen to someone who’s been rubbish in Super League. So I would take his comments with a grain of salt.”

Soward has revealed his desire to possibly return to the NRL with the Dragons who are in desperate need of a No.7 after Drew Hutchison was ruled out indefinitely.  

“But I’d have to be given some time to get back in shape, make the decision and be 100 per cent committed. But you never say never," Soward told News Corp. 

“ ... The position that I’m in, I’d like to think I wouldn’t be going in to trial.

“I’ve got enough runs on the board to come in and play halfback for the Dragons.”