Suspended Leaf to reveal ‘mitigating circumstances’ over betting allegations

Doncaster captain Shaun Leaf last night launched a defence of his actions following his suspension for allegedly betting on the outcome of a match.

The 27-year-old centre was banned on Thursday with immediate effect following claims in a national newspaper that he gambled £200 at odds of 10-11 that Wakefield would win by a margin of at least 38 points in last Sunday’s Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at the Keepmoat Stadium. Doncaster conceded a last-minute try to go down 50-10.

Leaf, who missed the game because of injury, was yesterday interviewed by the Rugby Football League’s compliance unit as part of their investigation during a meeting at the sport’s Leeds headquarters, which the player himself requested.

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In a statement issued by his legal representative Andrew Bailey, Leaf insisted there were “mitigating circumstances” which will be revealed in due course.

The statement said: “We confirm that Shaun Leaf has been suspended by the RFL pending investigations in relation to recent press allegations involving irregular betting activity.

“A meeting has been convened (yesterday) with RFL representatives at the request of the player and Doncaster Rugby League. The club will be supportive of the player until the conclusion of the proceedings.

“However, we wish to make it clear at this stage that there are significant mitigating circumstances surrounding this matter that will be made apparent in due course.

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“The player and club will be making no further comment until the matter is concluded.”

The RFL say they are investigating an alleged breach of their operational rules and a breach of the sport’s betting code of conduct which prohibits players gambling on the outcome of matches.

If he is charged with misconduct and found guilty, Leaf, a 27-year-old from Hull who has been Doncaster’s captain for the past two seasons, could face a fine and lengthy suspension.

The RFL, who are also looking into a Championship match against Toulouse in 2009 in which Leaf is alleged to have lost £600 backing Doncaster to lose by more than 48 points, say they hope to conclude their investigation by the end of the month.

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The RFL tightened their anti-gambling procedures since Great Britain internationals Sean Long and Martin Gleeson were found guilty of betting against St Helens in 2004.

Doncaster have moved quickly to cover the potential loss of Leaf with the signing from rugby union of Sedgley Park centre or winger Richard Tafa.

Leaf was set to return after missing a month with a dislocated thumb, but Tafa is set to play tomorrow against Keighley.