Ex-Wigan Warriors and Castleford Tigers forward Larne Patrick speaks out about addiction and depression

Larne Patrick was once a forward who seemingly had the world at his feet.

A rampaging, Irish international, Patrick spent seven seasons at the Huddersfield Giants between 2009 and 2016 sandwiched in-between two loan moves to both the Wigan Warriors – for whom he made 29 appearances – and the Castleford Tigers.

A permanent move to the Tigers came about in 2016, but he made just 20 appearances in a Castleford shirt before moving to the Leigh Centurions at the end of 2017.

He would make just six appearances for the Lancashire club, moving on-loan to Workington Town in 2018 and hanging up his boots at the end of that year.

It was rather a damp squib of an ending for a prop who had been one of the most promising forwards in Super League in his time at Huddersfield.

However, Patrick has since spoken out about his problems during and after his career.

He said: “Feeling so happy and content which is a feeling I haven’t felt in years and being honest, I forgot what the feeling was!?!

“The person I see when I swipe right is someone struggling with emotions and having barriers up thinking I was protecting myself but really I was digging myself further and further into depression and addiction.

“The person on the right was then burying/masking his emotions or trying to by drinking/sleeping/taking drugs and eating.

“This isn’t the way!!
I’m so grateful for my loved ones around me and that are in my life.
I have accepted and surrendered to my addiction and mental issues by talking about them. Seeking help as i couldn’t do it by myself and learning that it’s ok to ask for help!

“It’s been a tough 2 months and not one which I wish to do again but it’s worth it!!!

“Finally…..You are not alone!! I finally understand this and what this does for you! So if you are feeling the same way. Reach out, call a friend, call anyone!!
A problem shared is a problem halved👌🏼 “