Hardaker to undergo anger management

Matthew Rogerson

Hardaker to undergo anger management image

Leeds Rhinos have punished Zak Hardaker after he was alleged to have assaulted a student, while also fining team-mate Elliot Minichella.

Hardaker and Minichella were reportedly involved in an incident at a student accomodation building in Leeds in February, but were released by police without charge following an investigation.

The pair apologised to the student in question and each paid £200 in compensation, although Rhinos have imposed further sanctions following an internal investigation.

Hardaker - who was banned for five games last season for homophobic comments towards Warrington Wolves' Michael Monaghan - will pay a month's salary to a local charity and enrol on an anger management course.

He will also volunteer as part of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Marketing Department, while Minichella has received a written warning and been fined 50 per cent of his monthly salary.

"Zak is full of passion and enthusiasm and has many qualities that are to be admired in a young player but a small part of him has led to problems and this has to be addressed, not only for the image of the game but most importantly for Zak's own well being and his ability to fulfil his potential," Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said in a statement.

"We have passed the point of telling him what he has to do, however, for the first time Zak has admitted to us and, more importantly to himself, that he has an issue with aspects of his lifestyle which he wants to improve.

"We have listened to what he has committed to do for himself and we will support him."

Matthew Rogerson