Poor show? It would be borderline cheating.

Not at all. If the club complete their investigation tomorrow and make a decision on a suitable punishment, which Hardaker accepts, there is no reason why he shouldn't be allowed to recommence his job.

If there is to be an investigation that could clear him tomorrow then A- why announce it before hand? And B- why not name him in the 19?

That to me is where the poor form comes in if he indeed does end up playing.

He'll end up playing for Dire next season as they are well suited.

A joke player for a joke club.

Be very convinient if the investigation cleared him up that quickly. There's mind games and there's taking it to a whole new level.

To lure Leeds into a false sense of security?
The investigation may be longer, or he may appeal the outcome.
If it had not been announced and he wasn't on the team sheet, it would have been a massive boost for Leeds on game-day, one hour before kick off. As it is, Cas can potentially name him in the 17 and strike the first blow.
Remember that we claimed Luke Gale had an operation when he was just rested. He went nowhere near a hospital, just like Rangi Chase never went to Australia for a court appearance the week before a semi-final with Leeds as the club claimed.

No it wasn't

Why go to that trouble though? Cas have been the best team by a mile this year, have a great record vs Leeds, do they really need to be doing stuff like this if he ends up playing? Especially with a guy who doesn't need his name linked with any more incidents and could harm his WC hopes if Bennett thinks he's a risk now.

Most neutrals want Cas to win on Saturday but it'll leave a sour taste for many if they roll out Hardaker now on Saturday. Our biggest night of the year shouldn't be dominated in the build up with this.

Yes please

So why create an appendix story and not a hamstring pull or something?

Yes but he kept saying he'd be playing so often that Holbrook said he expected him to play so was hardly keeping them guessing.

Why pull this with Hardaker now after Leeds will have spent all week expecting to play him? You'd do it start of the week so that they start planning for something else. Think this one is wishful thinking on your part.

I believe Luke and Daryl are big Casualty fans, so it seemed appropriate.

Is Wayne Bennett in on this plan also or is Hardaker just hoping that he doesn't think "screw picking him he's too much of a risk"