Seymour to make most of his second chance

However, 10 months on and the Australian scrum-half is now looking to make sure he grabs his second chance at life and rugby.

Given his much-publicised exploits – the intoxicated Hull FC star crashed and flipped his car after initially intending to drive off the Humber Bridge – Seymour acknowledges being fortunate to even get an opportunity with Castleford Tigers.

However, before Hull released him in April following two months of compassionate leave, the ex-Brisbane Broncos half-back spent time at Tony Adams’s Sporting Chance Clinic to start addressing the inner turmoil that threatened to see him throw his life away.

It has been a long process since but, in September, Castleford coach Daryl Powell then offered Seymour a way back with a one-year deal at Wheldon Road and Sunday’s friendly against York City Knights will see him debut.

It is his first appearance anywhere since a mistake-ridden televised performance for Hull against Widnes the night before that reckless and fateful journey.

Undoubtedly, it is going to be a big test of his strength and resolve but Seymour explained: “I feel I am on top of everything so that’s number one. The next thing is how it’s going to go when I step over the white line this weekend.

“It’s been a good few months here. It’s taken me a while to get up to scratch with the guys as I was lacking a bit of fitness.

“I’ve probably had to lose nearly 10 kilos which has been quite a process and I have had to work on my kicking game too.

“It felt like I couldn’t kick a ball. It’s been a daunting process but it feels like it’s coming together.

“I’ve got the match Sunday and, hopefully, I’ll play the next few games and get up to scratch.

“It’ll be good to just make a few tackles and get my hands on the ball as there’s only so much you can train for. I’m looking forward to it. It’s like starting fresh again.”

While rebuilding his game at Wheldon Road, the 29-year-old has remained close with those who helped him through that turbulent period of his life.

“Sporting Chance is on-going – it’s constant – and I’m still in touch with the people there,” he said.

“They have been outstanding and I wouldn’t be here but for them. I usually catch up once a week to have a coffee or a chat. It is a sounding board for life and generally how things are.”

Seymour,who was halfway into a £130,000 per season three-year deal at Hull after signing from New Zealand Warriors, urged others who feel they are suffering from depression to act swiftly.

“I could have done a lot of things differently,” he continued.

“Talking to people would have been one. I went into my shell which was the worst thing I could have done. When things happen like they did, it’s not something to deal with on your own.

“It’s about sounding out some help and the (Rugby Football) League have taken some big steps.

“I know a few other guys have come out since my ordeal happened and looked for help which is really good. I’d say if there is something on your mind, get help and talk about it. I wouldn’t have ended up with the problem I had if I had sounded out somebody.

“It’s about being courageous. It’s a pretty big step to ask for help in such a macho game we play.”

Kirk Dixon is one such player who has sought help, the Castleford winger revealing to the Yorkshire Post in August he had been battling depression, while the club’s chief executive Steve Gill admitted just last week he, too, had been treated for the illness.

Seymour, meanwhile, concedes once believing that he might not ever get another shot at playing.

“It has crossed my mind and I have wondered if it’s the right spot for me,” he added.

“But just these last few weeks it’s really starting to feel good.

“My wife loves it over here and she didn’t have any qualms about staying. We had a lot more to see and do so I couldn’t just end it as I did. There were a few offers back home, but it would have been starting in the second-tier comp.

“I was really happy for Daryl to give me the chance to come here to Cas’ and he just said see how you feel and see how things go.

“This weekend will be a little starting point. Hopefully, I’ll play well and take it from there.”

Seymour knows he will have to given the depth of competition Powell has at his disposal ahead of their Super League opener at Bradford Bulls on February 16.

Though Castleford sold the enigmatic England star Rangi Chase to Salford City Reds at the end of last season, they have recruited four half-backs to help fill the void.

Luke Dorn has returned from London Broncos, Salford’s Marc Sneyd also joined as did Featherstone Rovers’ Liam Finn, while Jamie Ellis was already in situ.

“It’s going to be difficult as Daryl has a few options there so I’ve got to prove my worth,” he said.

“Hopefully, I’ll improve and give him some headaches.”

Seymour cannot recall much of that infamous night – “I don’t like reflecting too much on it. I just want to look ahead” – but there is no doubting his talent if he can gain the stability he requires.