John Bateman's message to Zak Hardaker following Wigan Warriors departure

John Bateman has wished Zak Hardaker well following his abrupt departure from Wigan Warriors and says his England team-mate’s priority right now should be on his health and wellbeing. Former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers star Hardaker today left the Warriors with immediate effect to pursue a contract closer to his native Yorkshire.

The 30-year-old has played 80 games for Wigan since signing in 2019, following the expiry of a doping ban which had led to his release by Castleford. Hardaker also represented Great Britain and was 2015 Super League Man of Steel.

Wigan helped Hardaker through a driving ban which he received shortly after joining the club, and helped him rebuild his career after the doping charge which led him to miss Castleford's Super League Grand Final appearance in 2017. However, the Pontefract-born player was recently stood down from the squad for the Good Friday derby with St Helens after coach Matt Peet said he “dipped below the standards” expected of a Wigan player.

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As Wigan prepare for Sunday’s televised home clash with Salford, Bateman said: “We’ll just go out about our business like we normally do. We’ve got a game to focus on against Salford and that’s the main focus, so there won’t be any distraction.

“We’ve been without Zak now for the past two games so we will have to knuckle down and get on with it, which is what we’re here to do.”

Hardaker has made a habit of reinventing himself after a major setback and Bateman was asked whether he believes his fellow Yorkshireman can do so again.

“I suppose that’s a question for Zak and what he wants to do,” said Bateman. “I think Zak has got some stuff to sort out with him