Coaches may face charges

Two coaches face a Rugby League investigation over allegations that they were involved in an angry clash with each other after a National League One match.

Two coaches face a Rugby League investigation over allegations that they were involved in an angry clash with each other after a National League One match.

The League has called for reports before deciding whether to proceed with charges against Peter Roe of Barrow and Castleford's Dave Woods.

"My conscience is clear," said Roe, who admitted that there had been tensions before the game.

"Mr Woods had complained that we had painted the away dressing-room and claimed that his players had been affected by paint fumes."

At the end of the game, won 36-22 by promotion favourites Castleford, Roe says that he approached Woods to shake hands and congratulate him.

"I held my hand out and said that it was the fact that they were full-time that had made the difference," said Roe. "Not only did he swear at me, he pushed me on the chest and sent me backwards. I have scores of witnesses who saw him push me."

Woods, an Australian in his first year at Castleford, claimed after the match that Roe had challenged him to a fight behind the stand, something that Roe denies.

"I just wanted to sort it out verbally out of the public eye," he said. "In 15 years in professional coaching, I've not had a handshake refused by another coach."

Woods, who was found guilty last week of swearing at a match official, declined to comment yesterday, but Castleford said that he denied Roe's version of events.

Another coach, London Broncos' Tony Rea, has denied refusing to attend the press conference after his side's defeat at Wakefield on Sunday. "When I came out, they had all cleared off, simple as that," he said.

Clubs in National League One have been told what work they must do to their grounds to qualify for Super League, should they be promoted. The requirements will be published this week in an attempt to avoid any end-of-season controversy.