SO HARD TO BELIEVE
Failed drug test shocks Betts
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ENGLAND assistant coach Denis Betts says he can’t understand why Zak Hardaker has risked wrecking his career.
The full-back was axed from England’s World Cup squad after testing positive for cocaine.
He was also dropped from Castleford’s Grand Final team and is now facing a two-year ban.
Betts said: “It’s hard for me to comprehend. I can’t see what he was even thinking.”
Two months ago Betts’ club side Widnes suspended former England star Rangi Chase after he also tested positive for cocaine.
But Betts, who flies to Australia tomorrow with the UK-based players, insists it is not solely the game’s problem.
He said: “This is not a rugby league issue, it is a society issue. I’ve no malice towards these lads because they’re just kids who have made mistakes and done something stupid.
“Zak’s integrity and his morality need to get back into kilter, because of what he’s done.
“It’s just a young man who has background issues with where he grew up, anger issues he’s dealt with and he’s got money in his pocket.
“He has always had issues and it will get to a point where he might have to make some decisions about lifestyle and what he does next.”
Despite insisting drugs are a wider problem, Betts is confident rugby league will help Hardaker, saying: “We are one of the best professional sports for support.
“We are as far advanced as any other professional sport with our mental health issues, our support chains and all the help.”
Hardaker’s suspension by the Tigers last Thursday overshadowed the Grand Final and Leeds’ 24-6 victory.
Betts added: “Nobody has talked about what Leeds did. It’s been overshadowed by something which shouldn’t overshadow Leeds, Danny McGuire and where Brian McDermott has taken Leeds.
“It blows it out of proportion when it’s someone high profile.”