In November 2013, Hardaker withdrew from the England squad during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, citing personal reasons.[53] He was later handed a £2,500 fine and a written warning by his club Leeds Rhinos after he "acted unprofessionally" prior to his withdrawal from the squad.[54]

In June 2014, Hardaker received a five-match ban and a £300 fine for making homophobic comments which appeared to be directed towards referee James Child.[55] Hardaker issued a public apology for the incident, claiming the insult had been directed towards Warrington Wolves player Michael Monaghan rather than the referee.[56]

In March 2015, Hardaker and Leeds teammate Elliot Minchella were detained and questioned by police over the alleged assault of a 22-year-old student, causing Hardaker to miss his side's 18–6 defeat by Warrington Wolves. Hardaker did not face criminal charges, but admitted to the assault and agreed to pay £200 compensation and write a letter of apology to the victim. He was also once again subject to internal disciplinary action by his club.[57]

In October 2017, Hardaker was omitted from Castleford Tigers squad for the 2017 Super League Grand Final against former club Leeds. Castleford issued a statement saying that Hardaker had been left out for an unspecified "breach of club rules".[58] On 9 October 2017, Castleford released a statement confirming Hardaker had received a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.[59] It was also announced that Hardaker would not be selected for the England squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup after testing positive for cocaine.[60][61]

In September 2018, Hardaker was arrested for allegedly drink driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a valid MOT. He was banned from driving in October 2018, having been found to be over double the legal limit.[62]

In February 2024, Hardaker was again found guilty of driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol and driving without due care and attention. He was charged at Leeds Magistrates Court, and received a fine of £1346 along with a three-year driving ban. [63] Leigh Leopards issued a club statement, committing their continued support to Hardaker following the incident

Surely enough reasons there as to why we shouldn't be signing him?

Lovely weather. Been anywhere nice?

its a good job we ve had a good dobbins thrashing to talk about today,as the rumours on new signings seem to have totally dried up.

elliot whitehead had another good game for canberra today,despite his age,i think he would make a good pack leader for us.

He'd be brilliant for season, can't see it though.

Dobbins - they’re so pumped up that they missed 32 tackles in opening 35 mins !!! lol that’s worse than us

Off topic I know but couldn’t help it