Leeds Rhinos and the world of rugby league were rocked by news that Zak Hardaker had suffered a suspected seizure whilst walking with his young son when the news broke.
Hardaker had made the move from Wigan Warriors in a high-profile switch and trained last Tuesday morning but missed a media call on Wednesday with confirmations that he was ill.
That later transpired that the 30-year-old had been hospitalised and head coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan couldn’t believe it.
“It was really unexpected,” Jones-Buchanan said.
“We’ve been talking about four or five weeks to control things we can and that’s completely unexpected.
“Our first thoughts are with Zak and his health and making sure he is alright and that he’s got everything he needs.
“I’ve been around the boys and told them to give them a text message and say hope you’re alright and we can’t wait to see him back.
“It just underpins he’s just not quite well – I’m not a psychologist but we need to look after Zak and he’s got an opportunity to become a better version of himself.”
Jones-Buchanan hopes that he will see Hardaker back soon – if tests come back clear.
“I don’t know how long he will be out but I hope the tests come back – and from what we are hearing they are pretty good – and it seems alright maybe he will be alright for the next game but we will have to have a conversation with the doctors to make sure everything is fine.”
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington commented, “At this moment in time our only concern is Zak’s health and we will provide to him and his family with whatever support is required.
“The Rhinos medical staff are overseeing things and will be arranging a series of medical tests which will then give a clearer prognosis for his recovery.”
