Backing Zak to stay on track LAM BELIEVES IN HARDAKER

ADRIAN LAM has vowed not to let troubled star Zak Hardaker ruin his final chance at redemption.

Super League’s most controversial player will make his Wigan debut in today’s pre-season game at Salford.

Hardaker’s chequered past has many fans predicting it is only a matter of time before he presses the self-destruct button again.

But Warriors coach Lam says he has seen too many players wreck their careers to let it happen to the former England full-back.

Talking about “nutters” he’s encountered in his illustrious career, Lam said: “I worked with a lot who have just faded away.

“There is stuff going on in the

NRL right now which isn’t good news. It’s a little bit naughty.

“My role is to help Zak with life as a priority. We have worked really closely to make sure that side of his life is on track.”

The game in Australia has been rocked by a number of lurid off-field stories involving drink, drugs and violence.

Hardaker’s own sorry past includes getting sacked by both Leeds and Castleford for a whole range of those offences, plus a case of homophobic abuse.

Wigan snapped him up last May during a 14-month cocaine ban saying they were convinced he knew it was his last chance.

But in October, just weeks after he linked up with them, Hardaker, 27, appeared in court