Leeds drop England RL star Hardaker

Leeds rugby league players Zak Hardaker and Elliot Minchella are expected to be interviewed by police over the alleged assault of a 22-year-old man.

Leeds rugby league club dropped England fullback Zak Hardaker for Friday's Super League clash with Warrington after it emerged that he is at the centre of a police investigation.

Hardaker, 23, and teammate Elliot Minchella are expected to be interviewed by police in the next few days over the alleged assault of a 22-year-old man in student flats in Leeds.

"The club have been made aware of an incident in which it is alleged that Leeds Rhinos players Zak Hardaker and Elliot Minchella were involved," a Leeds statement read.

"Both the club and the individuals concerned are co-operating fully with the police investigation.

"Until such time as that investigation is concluded neither the club nor the players involved are able to make any further comment."

West Yorkshire police released images of two men earlier this week in connection to a break-in and assault at premises on Burley Road in Leeds on February 3 but since removed them after receiving fresh information.

Police say the victim suffered two black eyes and bruising to his ears and neck.

Hardaker was fined and given a five-match ban last year after being found guilty of homophobic abuse, which he insisted was aimed at Warrington captain Michael Monaghan rather than referee James Child.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world