Zak Hardaker sacked by Castleford

Castleford have sacked disgraced full-back Zak Hardaker.

Hardaker, 26, was suspended by the Tigers on the eve of their Super League Grand Final defeat to Leeds in October.

It was subsequently revealed he had failed a drugs test and is facing a ban of up to two years.

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Zak Hardaker has been dismissed from his contract with the club.

“Hardaker, was suspended by the club after a failing a drugs test in the weeks leading up to the 2017 Super League Grand Final, and currently awaits the outcome of his case from UK Anti-Doping organisation.

“Castleford Tigers will comment on this matter further when UKAD conclude their case.”

Hardaker, who has been linked with a move to Wigan, was on the three man shortlist for the Man of Steel award and was named in the Super League Dream Team last season.