Zak Hardaker opens up about his exit from Leeds and how he is settling in at Castleford Zak Hardaker opens up about his exit from Leeds and how he is settling in at Castleford

Zak Hardaker has revealed he asked to leave Leeds Rhinos last season because he didn't want to be a burden on his team-mates.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports' Eddie Hemmings, the 2015 Man of Steel said his "head wasn't in the game" due to his battles with depression, alcohol and prescription drugs.

Hardaker denies his exit from Headingley was due to a falling out with Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott, but after a difficult start to last season, both were in agreement he needed a fresh start.

"I went in and asked for a release," said Hardaker, who made his Castleford debut against Leigh on Friday. "I wanted to leave Leeds. I'd had enough.

"There were a number of things. I didn't want to feel like I was a burden on the boys. I wasn't enjoying training, I wasn't enjoying playing.

"When I'm on the pitch and we start playing, I don't want to lose. I felt like I lost that edge.

"I'm really competitive and when I was on the pitch, it's bad to say but I probably wasn't that bothered what the outcome was.

"That was a big alarm bell ringing in my head."