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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David Craven

Brad Takairangi stood down by Hull KR as he awaits sentencing for driving offences

Bad boy Brad Takairangi has been stood down by Hull KR as he awaits sentencing for drink driving and dangerous driving.

The ex-New Zealand star, 32, pleaded guilty to those offences last week.

He played in Friday’s 42-8 loss to St Helens - barely 24 hours after his magistrates' court appearance - but will now not be considered for selection.

Robins boss Tony Smith revealed: “We as a club have decided to stand him down until his hearing which is scheduled for around the 31st (of March).

“We felt we needed to do something there, recognise the situation Brad is in and make sure we do the best by him as well.

“Sometimes that's by removing people from situations where they may not be able to fulfil their best.

“Brad understands. As he has done ever since his incident, he's been in agreement with and in admittance of his situation.

“He's not shying away from his responsibility.”

Brad Takairangi in action vs Catalans Dragons back in September (Alexandre Dimou/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Asked what sparked the decision, Smith replied: “There are all sorts of things that went into the decision-making of it.

“Some of that is pressure from the outside, but also from individuals from within who feel like it's the right thing to do.

“That's fine. Both Brad and I support that and support the decision.”

Smith says the ex-Parramatta Eels centre - who struggled to make any impact against Saints - has found matters “real tough” since the court decision.

“This is his life and it's been turned on its head, through some of his own actions,” he said.

“We're yet to see how long and how much he pays for those bad actions. That's worrying.

“From day one he's put his hand up about it all and hasn't avoided anything.

“He's embarrassed about it, he's disappointed about it and can't do enough to try to make up for it. I believe him.”

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