Ban issued after York City Knights' ex-Wakefield Trinity player Ryan Atkins admits betting offence

Atkins, who had two spells at Wakefield and will join York City Knights next season, admitted a one-off bet on a game involving Trinity.

The ex-Bradford Bulls and Warrington player was not registered with any professional club when he placed a bet on the outcome of Wakefield’s Super League fixture with Wigan Warriors in September.

But the fact he had been registered with Trinity during the previous 12 months meant he was in breach of the RFL’s ‘betting and related activity code of conduct’.

The RFL accepted it was a single bet, placed when Atkins was no longer a Wakefield player and made without using inside information.

A statement from the governing body said: “The player cooperated fully with the RFL investigation, having admitted the charge promptly.

“The sanction imposed reflects these and other mitigating factors, but acknowledges that betting on rugby league matches by any individual bound by the RFL’s operational rules is a strict liability offence.”

The RFL’s statement included a comment from Atkins who said: “I regret placing the bet and if I could wind back the clock, I would not have done so.

“I’d like to thank the RFL for the fair decision and York City Knights for their support and standing by me during this difficult time.

“I look forward to meeting up with the squad early February and paying back that support.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.