It's time for Huddersfield Giants star Leroy Cudjoe to talk - about his struggle to talk.
The ex-England centre has lived with a stammer all his life and it is one of the reasons he is rarely seen doing media interviews.
Cudjoe, 33, has always done his talking on the pitch where he has helped his hometown club get off to a flying start in Super League.
But now he wants to inspire others who may be hit with the same stutter problem.
“I've had my stammer for as long as I can remember and it's still a big challenge,” explained Cudjoe, who helped Huddersfield make it four wins from five with Saturday’s 36-24 success over Castleford.
“I had help off and on as a kid but nothing that really helped until 2019 when I attended the McGuire Programme.
“It’s the same course the singer Gareth Gates went through.
“It was amazing for many reasons, like being around people who understood what I was going through and feeling.
“But also I spoke in Birmingham city centre amongst strangers on a stage, something I never imagined I’d ever be able to do.
“I've fallen away from it since, for various reasons: my career was in the balance from another knee operation, then Covid hit.
“They talk about coming away from your first course and going ‘back into the swamp’ as you try to speak the same speed as others and hide the fact you’ve a stammer.
“But that only makes it worse and has a massive effect on your confidence. It's one reason they try to get you on another course quickly.
“With Covid, there hasn’t been any for two years. They’ve had Zoom support groups but it's not quite the same.
“I do intend, though, on getting on another this year and really giving myself the best chance of controlling my stammer - and not letting it control me or my career after rugby.”
Cudjoe has played his entire career with Huddersfield, making more than 300 appearances, and did not let his stammer get in the way when captain from 2017-2019.
“In games, I'm fine,” he added.
“The only situations I've had is when an opponent tried to use it against me to get under my skin.
“But it’s only ever happened twice - and neither time it worked.
“My team-mates have been really supportive, too, which I appreciate.”
Cudjoe conceded it was “tough” at times growing up and can still be now.
“There’ll be words or situations I try to avoid but other times I'll take the challenge head on and get a confidence boost,” he said.
“The advice I'd give to any young kid with a stammer is the same advice I need to take - get on the McGuire course.
“It can be life-changing and gives you the tools to be in control. You’re not alone.”
