Thursday 1 October 2015 11:38, UK
Chairman Michael Carter has confirmed that Wakefield have sacked Australian scrum-half Tim Smith.
The 30-year-old former Wigan and Salford player, who had two months left on his contract, has been dismissed for gross misconduct.
The move follows Smith's appearance at Beverley Magistrates Court on Wednesday when he was banned from driving for 28 months and fined £900 after admitting failing to provide a specimen following a car crash in Hull last month. He was also fined £600 for careless driving.
"A letter was sent to him and his lawyer saying we were dismissing him for gross misconduct and bringing the club into disrepute," Carter said.
Smith, who previously played in the NRL for Parramatta and Cronulla, was in his second spell with the Wildcats after rejoining them just over 12 months ago from Salford.
He had been suspended by the club pending an investigation into the car crash but failed to attend a hearing after submitting a sick note citing anxiety.
Richard Cramer, Smith's legal representative, said the player would be issuing a statement in response to the club's actions next week.
He said: "Wakefield have made their position clear and Tim will have something to say but, out of respect for his colleagues who have such a big game coming up, there will be no comment right now. He does not wish to disrupt their preparations for Saturday's game and hopes the team can win."
The latest development comes just 48 hours after Wakefield confirmed the departure of former New Zealand full-back Kevin Locke, who was also involved in the car crash,
The news also comes two days before Brian Smith's outfit face the Bradford Bulls at Belle Vue in a play-off to decide who will feature in Super League next season.
You can see Wakefield and Bradford battle for a place in the Super League on Sky Sports 1 HD from 2.45pm on Saturday.
