Leeds full-back Hardaker banned for dangerous throw
Thursday 9 July 2015 14:38, UK
Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker has received a one-match suspension for a dangerous throw on St Helens stand-off Travis Burns during the Rhinos' 46-18 win over the champions last Friday.
Hardaker, sin-binned for the offence at the time, submitted an early-guilty plea to the grade B offence and will now miss Thursday's game at Wigan.
The league leaders will also be without second rower Stevie Ward, who has been ruled out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in the win over Saints.
"It is disappointing for Stevie as he has been in outstanding form so far this season," said Leeds coach Brian McDermott.
"However, it could have been worse news and our medical team will do everything possible to get the injury right as quickly as possible."
Ward is facing a race against time to be fit for the Rhinos' Challenge Cup semi-final with St Helens on July 31.