It was reported earlier today that Zak Hardaker had been banned from driving for three years following a guilty plea for drink-driving at Leeds Magistrates Court.
First reported by Leeds Live, his club Leigh Leopards have now passed comment on the matter stating that they are fully supportive of the player.
In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the Leopards posted the following brief statement.
“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.”
Leigh had actually named Zak Hardaker in their 21-man squad to face Huddersfield Giants on Friday in and around the time when the news of Hardaker’s sentencing broke, however, whether he will play is another matter.
Hardaker’s charge of drink-driving marks the second time that he has been found guilty of the offence having formerly been found guilty in September 2018.
In 2018 he was hit with a 20-month driving ban, however, this latest ban sees him suspended for three years whilst he has also incurred fines of £1,346, per Leeds Live.
They reported that the 32-year-old was in court at Leeds Magistrates this morning where he pled guilty to the offence for driving without due care and attention, as well as driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol.
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. pic.twitter.com/8WBLf22vxf
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) February 14, 2024
Zak Hardaker included in Leigh Leopards squad despite driving ban
Zak Hardaker was in court this 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
Hardaker is among the squad for Friday night alongside new signings such as Matt Moylan, Owen Trout and Ben McNamara among others.
The Leopards face Huddersfield Giants on Friday night with the clash set to be the first since the two met in late 2023 when the floodlights failed at the Leigh Sports Village.
That game resulted in an abandonment with the final 32 minutes being played almost 48 hours later, the Leopards and Zak Hardaker coming out victorious.
The club now aim to build on their impressive first season back in Super League and whilst Hardaker has been named in the squad, it’s unclear if he will feature in the matchday squad given the serious nature of his offence.
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 – OWENT TROUT
18 BEN NAKUBUWAI
19 – ED CHAMBERLAIN
21 – BEN MCNAMARA
24 – UMYLA HANLEY
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