League clampdown on betting after Leaf's suspension

(PA)

The Rugby League has warned players tempted to have a bet against their team that there will be no hiding place. The Doncaster captain Shaun Leaf has been provisionally suspended after allegedly placing a bet on them to lose Sunday's Challenge Cup tie to Wakefield by more than 38 points.

Leaf did not play in the game, because of a thumb injury. It was won 50-10 by the Wildcats, thanks to a last-minute interception try.

The League said yesterday that it worked in co-operation with gaming organisations to monitor any unusual patterns of betting, as well as watching games for any suspect passages of play. It expects to complete its inquiry within two weeks, although it is also investigating allegations over a Championship match between Toulouse and Doncaster in 2009.

Sean Long and Martin Gleeson were both fined and suspended in 2004 for betting on their St Helens side to lose at Bradford, but they were able to continue playing whilst their case was investigated.

Ben Cockayne has been told that he has had his final warning at Hull KR, but is not to be prosecuted by West Yorkshire Police over a web-site posting.

The full-back allegedly made racist remarks about a taxi-driver, for which he has apologised and denied any racist intent. He has been fined the maximum allowed by the club,

"We believe that the punishment handed out to Ben reflects how seriously we take these responsibilities," said Rovers' chief executive Mike Smith. The club is also reserving a decision on whether to offer Cockayne, who also has an assault conviction, a new contract.

Shaun Lunt has agreed a two-year contract extension at Huddersfield. Leeds have found that Danny McGuire's quad muscle injury is not as severe as first feared and that he could be back after only two weeks.