As a player to witness, he's been a joy, especially when he's playing for your side. But when you enter the arena of pro sports, you've got to be just that.....professional. Unfortunately for Mr Hardaker, he was/ is a natural sports player who could afford to burn the candle at both ends. He's still a young chap, who can hopefully turn it around and have a few years where he can entertain the fans and add to his medal haul. We've all had demons of one kind or another, so I hope he isn't lost to the game and he cleans his life up.

First game for Wigan? Away at Cas in the season opener.

I'm sure the cas fans will take the opportunity to wish him well through difficult times

I am clearly too pure and clueless to be aware of the types of places / people that are known in that scene in Ponte - but which bars in particular are they? I very rarely go to any of them, but don't want to be inadvertently taking myself to ones that the locals and/or clued up people know as being the most dodgy.

If anyone knows, you can pm me too. Thanks!

You stupid boy

He just reminds me of the scene in V for Vendetta when the police inspector talks about how he can see everything is linked, and how it will all pan out. Depressing in its predictability. The only genuine shock that Hardaker could deliver is to grow up and become a role model in future years. Right now he looks more likely to be the headline act in one of those cons visiting schools programs designed to scare kids away from crime - or in his case stupidity and arrogance.

Sorry to be seen as a killjoy, but I’ve had to remove a few posts. I’m having them checked by Mr Southstander in the interests of fairness, if deemed ok I will put back on the site.
I know there was no malice in them, I’m not banning anyone and Im not trying to spoil any juicy stories or owt but those posts contained potentially sensitive allegations as a site we just cant leave up.

I’ve heard the same stories myself, but please refrain from posting allegations of impropriety of drug taking on the forum please. It could prove VERY financially painful to it.

If in doubt about a potentially "sensitive" subject please contact either myself, Frosties or Mr SouthStander.Com and run it past us, we are just as interested in the seedier aspects of the game and love a good ITK story. Well me anyway.

Cheers.

ESR