BAD BOY REPRIEVED

SERIAL bad boy Zak Hardaker has been given another chance by Wigan in the wake of his drink-driving shame.

The former England star was previously dumped by both Leeds and Castleford for various drugs, drink and violent offences.

He also looked in danger of getting sacked by champions Wigan before he has even played a game for them.

But the Warriors have handed him a reprieve before ordering him to go into rehab to sort out his demons.

The 27-year-old full-back’s 14-month drugs ban doesn’t run out until November and there is no indication when he’s likely to play again.

Firmly

But Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan believes the club have a duty to help Hardaker (right) rather than kick him out.

He said: “Firstly, I’d like to make clear we are extremely disappointed with Zak’s actions on the evening of September 26. Drink driving is completely unacceptable, and we are pleased the matter has been dealt with by the courts so firmly.

“It would be easy for us to cut our losses with Zak and deny him the opportunity to play for Wigan but we are not going to do that.

“Zak will enter a residential facility and how he commits during this course will not only define his rugby career but potentially set him on a more productive path for his life.

“We realise there is no guarantee this will happen. But, regardless of the outcome, we feel this professional and responsible approach is the only way forward for someone so obviously showing the signs of a man in need of some serious help.

“Zak fully understands he is employed on our terms and under strict conditions.”

Hardaker, who was banned from driving for 20 months, said: “I’d like to wholeheartedly apologise. The first thing I need to accept is I have a problem and I’ll be throwing all my efforts into sorting that.”