Zak Hardaker receives support from England team-mates
Tuesday 10 October 2017 19:29, UK
Zak Hardaker's team-mates have rallied around the Castleford full-back after he was provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test.
Hardaker missed the Tigers' Grand Final defeat to Leeds and was left out of England's World Cup squad after failing a drugs test. Sky Sports understands he tested positive for cocaine.
England quartet Mike McMeeken, Ryan Hall, Luke Gale and Kallum Watkins spoke to Sky Sports News at the England media day and have given their support to Hardaker, who they hope to see back on the field as soon as possible.
"I think he needs a bit of help," said Hall, who was part of the Leeds team that beat Castleford on Saturday.
"Rugby league should get behind him and help him rather than extradite him. He's a good friend of mine, we've spent some good years at Leeds together and we need to help him in any way we can."
Hall's Leeds team-mate Watkins lives close to Hardaker and ranks the 25-year-old as one of his best friends.
"We always keep in touch and will always be there for him," said Watkins. "It comes with the territory of getting criticism, he's got to own up to his responsibilities.
"He's got a lot of people who are behind him. They'll do the best they can to help him out and see him get back on the field."
Castleford half-back and 2017 Man of Steel Gale added: "I think he'll come back stronger. It's not great for the club and I know he'll be bitterly disappointed as well.
"He's a good friend and a good person. He'll be as disappointed as anyone. It's hard and we'll miss him for England."
