"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.

I'm not sure of your point.

It states that they will work with his club. They didn't state that would happen in the next 24 hours.

^^^^in a nutshell^^^^^

There is a life outside of RL for some people.

He's broken up with Josh?????!!!!

Fined by Leeds for "unprofessional behaviour"

What have all the do gooders who protected him on here got to say now.

A couple of grand lighter for being ill disciplined. No personal issues just being a drunk and bringing the good name of the game and the country into disrepute.

Well done Leeds in your actions. I hope Salford do the same to coke head.

If as seems he has been "unprofessional" it's a disgrace. I know these lads are young but this is their job and they are involved in a tournament which is at the pinnacle of what their "profession,". To act like silly kids is simply pathetic and shows no respect to their "profession" , the supporters of the game, the sponsors of the game, including TV companies, their bosses, etc. In short, they show no respect to the people who pay their wages and so why should people continue to pay them? But on the respect front, their biggest issue is, I believe, a lack of self-respect.

It's mad. All they have to do is hold it together for a month then they can go off on their holidays, but no. It is a lack of respect. A lot of people would give up a lot to be in the position they're in.

Shock horror, twenty two year old lad from Ponte has a life.

Well done fella, you’re a long time dead .