It was reported earlier this week that Zak Hardaker was once again found guilty of drink driving with the Leigh Leopards’ star landing himself a three-year driving ban this time.
First reported by Yorkshire Live, Zak Hardaker found himself in Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning for the offence of driving over the prescribed limit and driving without due care and attention.
Leigh Leopards shared a short statement acknowledging the news but Adrian Lam has now spoken further on the matter, whilst generally maintaining the club’s “no comment” stance.
Lam appeared on Radio BBC Manchester last night ahead of the opening game of the Super League season and among a host of topics over 40 minutes came the issue of Zak Hardaker.
He responded: “I think what I can say, I guess the club’s put out a statement that’s been pretty clear, no further comment, but obviously we’re disappointed with the actions of Zak on this situation.
“But I do want to make it really clear to everyone there that we’re there to support him in every possible way moving forward too.”
That somewhat echoed the club’s initial statement which had been shared on social media and 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.”
What is interesting is Lam’s admission of ‘disappointment’, something the club hadn’t previously referenced.
Zak Hardaker in Leigh Leopards squad despite drink drive controversy
Zak Hardaker was in court on Wednesday morning to plead guilty to drink driving, for which he has been banned for three years. – Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxEdxSykes/SWpix.comx SWP-2270-0037
Leigh face Huddersfield Giants tonight at home and they’re expected to play in front of a near sell-out crowd thanks to more impressive season ticket sales, and Zak Hardaker could well be set to feature.
Despite being in court on Wednesday morning the ex-Leeds Rhinos man was named in the Leopards’ 21-man squad which was announced at midday.
Whether he will actually make the matchday squad is another matter but as yet all signs point to him playing, particularly given both the club and Lam’s stance of support.
It’s the second time that Hardaker has copped a driving ban after being found guilty of the same offence in 2018, landing himself a 20-month ban.
However, this time he’s had the ban almost doubled whilst also landing a fine of £1,348 as reported by Leeds Live.
Hardaker could line up alongside new signing Matt Moylan who it has been revealed was recruited to the club by fellow centre Ricky Leutele over a few beers.
Moylan had told the Bench Podcast about how Leutele and himself were drinking at a friend’s wife’s party and that started the snowball effect of Moylan signing for the club.
Leigh Leopards 21-Man Squad
Leigh’s 21-Man squad can be seen below
1 – GARETH O’BRIEN
2 – TOM BRISCOE
3 – ZAK HARDAKER
4 – RICKY LEUTELE
5 – JOSH CHARNLEY
6 – MATT MOYLAN
7 – LACHLAN LAM
8 – TOM AMONE
9 – EDWIN IPAPE
10 – ROBBIE MULHERN
11 – KAI O’DONNELL
12 – JACK HUGHES
13 – JOHN ASIATA
14 – DAN NORMAN
15 – MATT DAVIS
16 – FRANKIE HALTON
17 – OWEN TROUT
18 – BEN NAKUBUWAI
19 – ED CHAMBERLAIN
21 – BEN MCNAMARA
24 – UMYLA HANLEY
