Doncaster star banned in betting scandal

The RFL have provisionally suspended the 27-year-old centre following an alleged breach of their operational rules and the sport’s betting code of conduct.

It launched an investigation today into a newspaper claim that Leaf gambled on his team losing the fourth-round tie against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by more than 38 points.

The Super League side scored an interception try in the last minute of the match at the Keepmoat Stadium to win 50-10.

Ex-Hull KR player Leaf - who is thought to have staked £200 on the outcome at 10/11 - missed the game with a thumb injury.

The RFL say they are also looking into an alleged breach of rules surrounding a Co-operative Championship fixture in 2009.

“The RFL will be making no further comment on these cases until the conclusion of the investigations,” said a spokesman.

In 2004, St Helens duo Sean Long and Martin Gleeson were each fined £7,500 and handed three-month and four-month suspensions respectively for betting on their under-strength team to lose by more than eight points in a Super League match at Bradford.

Doncaster chief executive Carl Hall, who is also the club’s main shareholder, was unavailable for comment, but chairman John Scarrow confirmed an internal inquiry has been launched.

“The club consider this a serious matter,” he said. “We will be thoroughly investigating it in a proper and timely manner.”