Dark times for Hardaker are lightened by timely words from Peacock

The England international was yesterday named in the Super League Dream Team, rated as the best No1 in the competition for the first time following his stellar performances this season.

But the 22-year-old has been playing under a cloud recently after the RFL launched a probe into alleged remarks made in the defeat to St Helens on August 29.

Hardaker – who was banned for five games for a similar incident in June – has given his version of events to the governing body, who also spoke to Mark Flanagan, the St Helens player involved who has no complaint.

“This second time a lot has happened and I have really struggled,” revealed the Leeds player. “The first couple of days after it I got a bit depressed and down about myself.

“I wondered why I should be in rugby league if I’m getting this kind of treatment from the media and RFL? I thought the attention I was getting was unfair but I’ve had a few conversations with various people.

“My mum and step-dad were most influential; they were more upset than me and if they get upset then that upsets me.

“I also spoke to Brian McDermott, Gary Hetherington and Kevin Sinfield but the biggest thing was speaking to Jamie Peacock. I cannot say what he told me but he really hit home and helped me through it.

“Stuff had happened to him in the past and look where he is now. He’s just got in the Dream Team for a record 10th time and he’d be my Man of Steel.

“For me, getting in the Dream Team is some sunshine over the rainbow and it has made me realise why I want to play.”

Hardaker, however, is urging the RFL to stop stalling and make an actual ruling on his situation.

“The longer it’s going on the more I wonder why?” he said.

“It is still getting to me and my family. It can affect your game. I am trying not to let it, but people booing you every time you get the ball isn’t very helpful.

“The sooner it gets resolved the better. It’s been nearly three weeks now. It’s just silly.

“They are either thinking about what they are doing or they haven’t got anything at all.”

When the latest furore emerged, he admitted: “I wanted to go into my bedroom, lock the door and not listen to any of it.

“People had their assumptions about what was said and I got grief left, right and centre but, clearly, no one knew what happened.”