Tim Smith sacked by Wakefield after driving ban

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.

"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," Carter told Press Association Sport.

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 f ormer 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 £1million sudden-death clash with Bradford.

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