Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
QUIT DRINKING TO SAVE YOUR CAREER , ZAK
Hardaker’s agent warns troubled star that all his problems stem from boozy nights out
ZAK HARDAKER must quit drinking to salvage his career – according to the man who helped broker his move to Wigan.
Hardaker’s agent Craig Harrison says alcohol has been the root cause of all the main problems in the fullback’s controversial career, which hit a new low with a drink-driving charge this week.
The former England international will next month face charges of driving under the influence of drink and without insurance or MOT.
He had just started training with new club Wigan as he serves the final weeks of a 14-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine.
Having also admitting assaulting a student in Leeds on a night out in 2015, Hardaker’s rugby league career is again under threat – and his agent says there is only one solution.
Harrison told Proper Sport radio: “Zak just needs to leave the beer alone. Every single thing has been related to him having a drink, that’s been from him being 19 years old.
“I’ve never heard Zak get into trouble with anything, ever, without starting with ‘I went out for a drink.’
“That to me, is the root of it. I spoke to his dad for 40 minutes and that’s the one for me.
“That’s the choice Zak has to make and hopefully Wigan stick with him, he says, ‘Get me tested, and that’s me done, I can’t drink within the season.’
“I think Zak has to do that for himself and give Wigan back the faith they’ve shown.”
Harrison says he saw no sign of potential trouble in Hardaker recently and that his family is now supporting him.
He added: “Zak was happy, he was training hard, he was starting to talk about next year and his comeback.
“What can I say? I can’t say it’s from his upbringing, I can’t say it’s from ADHD or this and that. Every club that Zak’s been at one thing is for sure, fans might hate him or whatever, but he’s a good kid.
“He’s one of the loveliest kids you could ever meet, his team-mates always speak well of him.
“He makes massive mistakes, but I’ll go back to every mistake usually starting with a drink.
“That’s it – ‘I went out for a quiet drink’, you wouldn’t believe how many times that’s been used.
“I don’t know how it can end up like that.
“The kid has got problems and he’s getting help.”