14 February 2024 , 19:53
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Leigh have said they will stand by Zak Hardaker after the England star was disqualified from driving for three years after being found guilty of driving without due care and attention and driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol.
The ex-Man of Steel appeared in Leeds Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was also fined £1,346. Centre Hardaker, 32, was being followed by police when he overturned his car near Knottingley, Pontefract in the early hours of January 31. His court appearance came on the eve of the new Super League season.
Former Wigan ace Hardaker, who had a previous drink driving conviction from 2018, is named in Leigh’s 21-man squad for their opener against Huddersfield on Friday night.
The Yorkshireman was a big part of the club's success last season after joining the promoted side from Leeds. Hardaker helped Leigh win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 52 years and also guided them into the play-offs.
But his excellent career has been dogged by controversy. He was booted out of England’s 2013 World Cup squad for off-field issues and was given a five-match ban for using homophobic language during a Rhinos game the following year.
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In 2015, he admitted assaulting a student in Headingley and then, after switching to Castleford, Hardaker received a 14-month ban on the eve of their 2017 Grand Final after testing positive for cocaine.
Leigh’s club statement read: “Leigh Leopards are aware of a drink drive incident involving Zak Hardaker. The club was made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity and has supported Zak since and will continue to do so. The club will be making no further comment.”