Ahead of the new Super League season, Leigh Leopards star Zak Hardaker made headlines for being found guilty of drink driving.
This came to light on Wednesday, the same day he was named in Leigh’s first 21-man squad of the season. Leigh also released a statement backing the centre and named him in the side against Huddersfield Giants.
Coach Adrian Lam was asked after the game, “Considering everything that happened earlier this week, was it a tough call to pick Zak tonight?”
Lam gave a simple reply, “No, not really mate,” he said on Leigh Leopards TV.
Zak Hardaker stars as Leigh Leopards falter
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
Ian Watson selected several debutants in his starting team for the game against Leigh. Off-season signings Elliot Wallis, Jack Murchie, Adam Clune, and Adam Swift all started the game.
Both teams started strong, with the Giants striking first after some excellent defense. Olly Russell sent a high kick into the air, and Jake Connor tapped the ball back to Esan Marsters, who scored the first try of the 2024 campaign. Olly Russ scored the conversion, making it 0-6.
After some pressure from Leigh, their new signing, Matt Moylan, dribbled a kick into the corner, and Josh Charnley won the race to score, putting the Giants in front. Zak Hardaker couldn’t convert the try.
The two sides then struggled to keep their discipline, committing penalties and knock-ons. The Giants broke downfield through a Kevin Naiqama break. Adam Swift tried to scramble out of dummy-half, but he was stopped by John Asiata, who was sin-binned for a professional foul. Adam Milner extended our lead soon after by scoring a typical hooker’s try. Olly Russ scored the conversion, and the score was 4-12 going into the break.
There was some late pressure from Adrian Lam’s men, but they couldn’t find the try after a knock-on from O’Brien.
After the break, Leigh continued in messy form, with knock-ons and penalties disrupting the opening minutes. This gave the Giants relative ease in defense, but they still had to stand tall and battle. Leroy Cudjoe and Jack Murchie particularly impressed.
Former Giant Ricky Leutele was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Jake Connor, which caused the latter to fail his HIA. However, this only spurred on Leigh. During this period, the Giants, through Chris Hill, Sam Hewitt, and Ash Golding, who had stepped in at full-back, repelled the charge.
A smart move in a rare attack saw Adam Clune and Ashton Golding combine, sending Elliot Wallis diving in at the corner for his first professional try as a Giant. Tom Briscoe did pull a consolation try back for Leigh late on, but it was to be opening day delight for Huddersfield and Ian Watson, with an 8-16 victory at Leigh Sports Village.
