Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott has insisted that fullback Zak Hardaker will continue to play for the club throughout the period of the club’s internal investigation into his recent off-field trouble.
Hardaker and Leeds teammate Elliot Minchella are being investigated by the club over an incident that occurred in the city earlier this year, but Hardaker will remain in the Leeds side throughout that time.
McDermott believes that standing him down and having him sat on the sidelines does nobody any good, and that the best thing to do is for him to play.
“Zak gets paid to do a job,” McDermott added. “I know there is a sentiment from people out there who say ‘why is he still playing?’ but to stand Zak down doesn’t do him any good.
“If a bricklayer makes an error at work, you don’t give him time off. Why would we give Zak Hardaker the time off to live a decent lifestyle where he can do what he wants?
“He has to do a job for us. He is paid to do that job and he will go out and do it. I don’t feel that’s covering anything up.”
