Well this thread blew up quickly didn't it. I am fairly sure that no-one here condones Zak's behaviour. I am also sure that Zak himself does not condone his own behaviour. Zak has always had a troubled life. We all grew up with people like him. I am a born and bred Leyther who played for 30 years (only as a poor amateur) and there were always people around me with a massive self destruction button. We even had a name for them (wild Johnny Damage). There were always reasons for their behaviour, usually to do with upbringing, peer groups, that sort of thing. I am also aware that they weren't d**ks all the time. They were all generally solid people who had problems. I am sure Zak is no different. This kind of behaviour is, I am sure, inherent in his personality. It doesn't make him a terrible person. He will have the odd moment in his life, for all his life, where he will make enormous mistakes and I just hope he doesn't harm any other person when he makes these mistakes. For the rest of the time however, he is an exceptional rugby league player, solid professional (colleagues speak about his attitude in training, his professionalism, his will to win) and by all accounts a pretty generous person.
The Leopards hierarchy have a pretty good record in managing people with this kind of profile (Gaz Hock, Blake Ferguson etc) and I for one would much rather support a team who attempts to educate and support people with problems rather than condemn and banish them, a team who are positive in their approach rather than negative, a team who uplifts rather than moans and complains.
This allows people to grow and improve rather than regress and become bitter.
I'm with you Cokey.
Up the Leopards.
