For once Smokey talks sense I agree its nothing to do with other people well said Smokey

But they did

[i"An England Rugby League statement read

Personal issue as in he can't stop drinking and be disciplined and respect his team and country? The two things are not necessarily unrelated.

It isn’t a disciplinary issue. We have been told that

This is typical of northerners making a mountain out if a molehill.
Get over it

If it was a genuine welfare issue, you would have thought England would have liaised with Leeds and they'd be fully informed, rather than England saying "England Rugby League will work with Zak’s club, Leeds Rhinos, to support him during this period" and then Hetherington saying "Nope. Have no idea what's going on." (rlhttps://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/rlwc2013-zak-s-decision-a-mystery-leeds-1-6213927rl.

So either it isn't a welfare issue and they're lying or it is a welfare issue and they're handling it irresponsibly. Either way, this last couple of weeks has been a textbook example of how not to manage media, and, for that matter, staff.

or Pete Smith spoke to GH before the RFL did.

George Riley tweeted yesterday that Hardaker had told him after the game on Saturday that he was ill.

"The England statement read: “Due to personal issues, Zak Hardaker is unable to commit to the England Rugby League programme and has informed the England RL management team that he wishes to withdraw from the squad and will not play any further part in Rugby League World Cup 2013.

“No replacement has been called up. England Rugby League will work with Zak’s club, Leeds Rhinos, to support him during this period.

“Zak requests that the media respects his privacy at this time.

“The matter is now closed.”

Everyone should just mind their own business.

Exactly. I hope, next time someone on here has some issues, that we have full disclosure to allow a discussion to take place

Hope Hardaker's personal issues get ironed out - he's a good player and likeable character, doesn't take himself too seriously but is a very professional rugby player (despite the fact he may have been involved in the post-Italy booze up).

Him leaving is a blow. He was awesome against Samoa, for the Knights, and I wouldn't have been surprised had he played at centre in this tournament. We must pray that Tomkins stays fit now!

We have plenty of people on here with issues that are quite clear without full disclosure!

It's a shame for Hardaker. I hope he gets a chance on international stage another time

Quote: SmokeyTA "or Pete Smith spoke to GH before the RFL did.'" Well Brian McDermott, now, still doesn't seem to know what's going on: www.sportsmole.co.uk/rugby-leagu ... 15931.html . So much for "working with Zak's club". Maybe the England media team just say the first thing that comes into their heads.

Quote: SmokeyTA "or Pete Smith spoke to GH before the RFL did.'" Well Brian McDermott, now, still doesn't seem to know what's going on: www.sportsmole.co.uk/rugby-leagu ... 15931.html . So much for "working with Zak's club". Maybe the England media team just say the first thing that comes into their heads.