Rugby League: Turner in double trouble

DARREN TURNER, the Sheffield Eagles forward, is facing a double suspension from the Rugby Football League after being charged with misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

Turner was sent to the sin-bin during Saturday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at Salford - which Sheffield, the holders, lost 16-6 - for an off-the-ball challenge on the full-back Gary Broadbent.

John Connolly, the referee, punished the player for what he considered a professional foul but the League's executive committee felt the incident was serious enough to charge Turner with misconduct when they watched it on video yesterday.

The Eagles forward has been ordered to appear before the game's disciplinary chiefs tomorrow and he will also be subjected to a hearing by the board of directors on Thursday after appearing to make an obscene gesture to the crowd as he left the field at The Willows.

Three weeks ago players were warned about their on-field behaviour following a rise in complaints from supporters about insulting gestures. Although Super League is still more than a fortnight away, Turner has already served a one-match ban for a reckless high tackle on Tony Kemp, the Wakefield stand-off, during a pre-season friendly.

Wakefield have avoided a potential stand-off with Bradford by stating their intention to increase Belle Vue's capacity to more than 8,000 in time for the Challenge Cup fifth-round tie between the sides.

The Bulls were furious yesterday, claiming Trinity's ground would only be able to accommodate 6,500 people for the game, which is on 28 February. But after a visit from safety officers Wakefield - promoted to Super League at the end of last year - are confident their stadium will be able to hold a crowd of at least 8,200 for the West Yorkshire derby.

Mal Reilly, the Huddersfield coach, has urged Andy Goodway, the Great Britain coach, to take a close look at Bobbie Goulding before selecting his next squad. Goulding, a scrum-half whose last appearance in the coveted international No 7 shirt came 18 months ago against Australia, moved to Huddersfield last season to resurrect his career.