Ryan Bailey reveals depression battle

Warrington prop Ryan Bailey has spoken about his battle with depression that almost ended his rugby league career.

Bailey said he would have retired last year if not for the help he got from the Sporting Chance charity.

“I had hit the bottom and I do not know where I’d be now if I hadn’t decided to get help,” he told The Daily Star.

“I have always found it hard to deal with stuff and would never ask for help because rugby league is a manly sport.

“But I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’ve done. I’ve gone through some bad patches with depression.

“I needed to find myself again but didn’t know where to go and didn’t know if I ever wanted to play again.”

Bailey’s problems began after he left Leeds after 12 years at the club. He had a short spell at Hull KR and then one at Castelford.

The 31-year old has been given an opportunity at Warrington by his former Rhinos coach Tony Smith.

“Tony knows how to handle me and he gets the best out of me,” he told The Daily Star.

“I will keep seeing the Sporting Chance counsellors and keep my head down and there’s no reason why I can’t do well for Warrington.

“I think I’ve still got four or five years in me at the top level and I will prove that this year.”