Thanks for the candid response - a great read.

I've done a lot of work setting up a relationship with MIND at my workplace, we've put all of our manages through a course that helps them identify potential signs of mental health issues right across the spectrum, including understanding the difference between pressure and stress and then some tools and techniques for handling conversations with those who are impacted. Interestingly, a big part of what MIND focussed on is how to try and identify the fakers - we have what they call a 'parachute' questionnaire that basically trips someone up if they're giving it the BS.

That's partly why I asked you that question - because though some on here would like to argue otherwise, fakers are out there in the plenty, it's one of the current 'in' excuses.

Good to hear you are involved in stuff in your workplace; Mind do a lot of really good things with all different groups and areas of society.

Like I say, I think it can be an attractive 'out' for some people because it scares a lot of people to hear it as an excuse and stops open conversation dead sometimes so can be used as a 'no questions asked' free pass sometimes. That is just people praying on a social weakness though I guess. It is a lot harder for most people to talk about at the time; most often I suppose because to talk about it you have to first recognise it and that is hard enough when you feel that way everyday.

Leeds has a good scene in particular on a mental health front so take some consolation from that. I really admire the work rugby league is doing as well, and people like Stevie Ward because actually they have been much more proactive to the situation rather than reactive. If you have any further questions or want to talk, let me know!

Guys,

Do you think if Hardaker has a very good season for Castleford, we could be seeing him back in a Leeds Shirt in 2018?

no, i think that ships gone

much as I loved him on the pitch he is a total tool who can't stay out of trouble off it. won't be long before he messes up again

Who will mess up first?
Zak Hardaker or Rangi Chase?

What angers me at times, is you see players who were cast off by Leeds performing really well for other Super League Teams.

Maybe we do need a new Coach

very good question. hardaker

If Daryl Powell can rein them both in and get them focused on playing, he'll qualify as a magician and Cas will probably qualify for the Top 4.

I heard a rumour (and that's all it is) regarding Chase which may have some truth in it or it might be complete bollox. He's allegedly been turning up to training drunk and is on a final warning.

That won't wash for long. Bloke needs help if that's true...

No time to move on.

Who cares what he does off the pitch? The reason we got rid was because it started affecting his performances, if he was still in great form we would have kept him.

Similarly, if he performs for Cas it won't matter what he does in his spare time (unless of course he ends up doing time

)

Not when management and coaching staff have to constantly get involved in sorting him out, fixing difficult situations etc - it distracts from their jobs and unsettles other players. At some stage you have to take a final stand - Leeds stretched all sorts of internal disciplinary rules to keep him after his earlier transgressions but by the end he just had to go.

If we wanted Hardaker back would we be able to retain him or would he be a free agent?
I can't see the current management set up wanting him back though, regardless of how he plays for Cas.
It galled me to see him & McShane playing so well for Cas, not fussed about Hood though.

If it's true that he was taking tramodol I am surprised he was able to function at all. Usually due to the strength of this drug you are usually advised not to drive.
It's a serious and potentially addictive drug. Two friends if mine took this drug as pain relief after serious car crashes.
Both were surprised at the strength of this drug.

If being at cas sorts him out I'd rather he stayed there. He came across as a man in a much better mental state last night.

According to someone on the VT, he'd said in an interview on Sky that it got to the point where he wasn't that bothered whether Leeds won or lost. That's when it's time to move on, and fair play to him for being proactive in that move. I also hope it works out for him at Cas.

He's still mates with the leeds lads or atleast it seems on social media, I believe 100% it's down to the coaching staff. If you've got a ty boss you start to hate your job, same for players some just handle it better then others.

Im one of the Coaches biggest critics but no way is he at fault for seriel offender Hardakers inability to grow up & maintain a pro approach to the Club & his team mates.

Yup, the players have been queuing up to leave since McDermott took charge. It's worth noting that in the real world there are bosses aplenty who'd have sacked Hardaker long ago. It's also worth noting that Zak, with all his lack of brains and his love of social media, has never once expressed the view that Leeds mistreated him. Believe me, were that the case I think we'd have heard it by now.

He's not at fault in the slightest for him not growing up and acting the fool, that is the players fault. He is entirely at fault for the way things were handled and him not been here. And there was never a problem with the player and team mates.

Handled? How many chances do you give him?
Now i accept what happened between him & his mrs was awful & not Zaks doing but the rest lays purely at his door.

When he got in trouble on the eve of the 2015 season a number of players were upset with him for potentially screwing up their season before it had begun, but they moved on from it and got past it. Players have falling outs all the time but it usually all fine soon after unless it's a serious one (Brett Ferres & Huby)

Always struck me as rather odd as to why ZH went to Cas on loan only. Might be worth considering that if our esteemed treble winning coach might not be in the Headingley hot seat at the end of the year and that we may yet see ZH back in the Blue and Amber yet.

I think from memory it is because Leeds still want a fee and Cas have first refusal after this loan season or something along those lines. Not 100% on that mind. I really don't think we will see him back in a Leeds shirt unless a big regime change happens at Headingley during this season.