Australian star Tim Smith sacked by Wakefield Wildcats

Wakefield have sacked Australian scrum-half Tim Smith, chairman Michael Carter has confirmed.
Wakefield Wildcats' Tim SmithWakefield Wildcats' Tim Smith
Wakefield Wildcats' Tim Smith

The 30-year-old former Wigan and Salford player, who had two months left on his contract, has been dismissed for gross misconduct.

The move follows Smith’s appearance at Beverley Magistrates Court on Wednesday when he was banned from driving for 28 months and fined £900 after admitting failing to provide a specimen following a car crash in Hull last month. He was also fined £600 for careless driving.

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“A letter was last night sent to him and his lawyer saying we were dismissing him for gross misconduct and bringing the club into disrepute,” said Carter.

Smith, who previously played in the NRL for Parramatta and Cronulla, was in his second spell with the Wildcats after rejoining them just over 12 months ago from Salford.

He had been suspended by the club pending an investigation into the car crash but failed to attend a hearing after submitting a sick note citing anxiety.

The latest development comes just 48 hours after Wakefield confirmed the departure of former New Zealand full-back Kevin Locke, who was also involved in the car crash, and 48 hours before one of the biggest games in the club’s history, Saturday’s £1m sudden-death game with Bradford, where the winners will take their place in Super League.

Smith is thought to be on his way back to Australia and facing an uncertain future in the game.