RL News: Gareth Hock enters plea to court, Wilkin slams “worst team” in SL and bidding war for Leeming

Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.

Gareth Hock enters plea to court

Former England international Gareth Hock has appeared at Bolton Crown Court to face charges including assault and rape. At a 15-minute hearing, as per Wigan Today, Hock entered his plea and confirmed his name before being placed under strict bail conditions.

Trio of teams circle for Leeming

Kruise Leeming has made it clear that he wishes to leave Headingley and the club have accepted that decision. As a result it’s now reported that “several clubs” have made contact, with one suggestion that three teams are prepared for a bidding war.

Friday Squads announced

Castleford have made three changes to their winning squad in a bid to hold off top of the table Warrington who are close to full-strength. Meanwhile Hull KR have had to work around the concussion protocol to name a squad to face a stretched-out Wakefield Trinity team. Wigan host Salford in the other match in a clash that sees the return of a key player to his former club.

George Hotel development update

The George Hotel is at the heart of rugby league in England and it’s ties with the foundation of the sport stemming from that historic breakaway meeting in 1895. Hopes that the hotel could be adopted as some style of rugby league museum have seemingly filtered away with the latest update on the ongoing project.

Son of Rhinos legend signs contract

Lewis Peacock, the 18-year-old son of former Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock, has signed his first professional contract with the team his dad won six Super League Grand Finals. The club announced the news today and young Peacock has spoken about the huge news.

Rovers’ worries over Wakefield pitch

Hull KR head to Wakefield Trinity on Friday night in a bid to rediscover the form that saw them kick the campaign off with two wins from two. In front of them they’ll face a resurgent Wakefield, eager for their first win, but also a playing surface that has caused many issues. Willie Peters spoke to the press over his concerns about the Belle Vue surface.

Wilkin slams “worst team” in Super League

Jon Wilkin doesn’t pull any punches in his punditry and he’s gone in hard on Wakefield Trinity, who he’s labelled as “the worst in the competition”. Not only has he branded them with that title the former St Helens captain isn’t the least bit sympathetic about it, explaining his view on Sky Sports today.

Saints star loses appeal

Morgan Knowles was hit with a Grade B charge of ‘dangerous contact’ following St Helens’ win over Hull FC, something which the club decided to appeal. Unfortunately for Knowles and Saints they were unsuccessful, however Knowles didn’t receive an additional game on top of his ban for this reason.

Match Officials appointed for round six

The referees for the round six fixtures have been confirmed by the RFL and Jack Smith takes another big gig in one of the televised games. Find out who will be in the middle for your side’s game this coming weekend here.

Beaumont reveals rollercoaster journey

Derek Beaumont is undoubtedly good for rugby league, especially based on his Leigh Leopards’ home fixtures this season in which they’ve been huge events for all who attended. There’s no question that he pumped plenty of money in to secure promotion last season but he’s also detailed life on the dole when discussing the ups and downs of his journey.

Championship side bolstered by Wigan loanee

Wigan Warriors have again utilised the loan system to send out another talented youngster for some game time and experience. Just a day after the confirmation that they’d sent young hooker Forber to Wakefield on a short loan, they’ve sent Harvie Hill to Toulouse Olympique.