That would be wrong, that is a second trial. If there is a policy change it will have to deal with all offenders the same, surely.

Zero tolerance: De-register him.

We must do [isomething[/i: A disrepute charge and whatever range of sanctions that covers.

Following precedent: Nothing.

[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7981678.stm[/url

Castleford sack convicted Hayward

But the RFL will have to adopt some guidelines if they are to introduce a sanction for off the field offences, they cannot just select willy nilly who they want to punish based on how much they disliked the offence.

What about drugs, do they say 'we will ban player A for 12 months because it was recreational and player B because it was performance enhancing', don't we have a policy on that. If the RFL want to punish him, so be it, if its a life ban, so be it, what I want is the SAME for every player convicted and sentenced for violence offences. What we cannot have is one player getting a year because he was caught on CCTV kicking someone and another gettng less because it was less public.

Not at all. What he did was awful. I would not want it to happen to anyone I know.

It just so happens that I find phoney indignation and self righteousness distasteful and there is plenty of it on this thread.



Well done, I salute you.

I did not say he should not or could could not be sacked; by his employer (Hull KR) The RFL are not his employer, if they stick thier oar in they punish the club and the club's supporters for something that was un releated to Rugby League. All I'm saying is why should they talk about involving them selves in this incident, when other incidents of violence out side of the RL arena get ignored?

After watcihing the CCTV footage, there is no question taht Rovers should sack him, i would want exactly the same if it was a Hull player.

How he didnt get a jail sentance for that I will never know.

I wouldnt be happy if I was the victim or his family.

It all could end up a bit like the trial by television in the 80's when Roy Holdtsock was banned after a cup tie against Widnes.
There were certainly some inconsistent decisions after that.

True, the never bothered with it for ages, it seemed it was brought in just for the one off.

Completely agree.

If that were to happen i suggest you take it up your grievance with Ben.

Well done Cas I say, setting a good example, although the fact it was a reserve player maybe made the decision easier. Hopefully Rovers will follow suit. I would ask 2 questions; If I were an employer and one of my employees did this would I want them working for me? No.
If I were an employee and did this and had my name name plastered all over the papers with CCTV footage of the attack availiable for all to see online would I expect to keep my job? No. It's only through sheer luck that Cockayne isn't doing 15 for murder.

RAYNOR

Just seen the ctv...it is a disgrace, a sad day for our great sport, a sport which we take our children. We can argue all day about who has done what for which team..that does not detract from the viewing of that scene and the damage that has caused to our sport, it is plastered all over the news FFS..The saddest thing is that Thug took the attention away from a young man who lost his life playing the sport. Totally horrific

That's just upped the stakes regarding whatever Rovers decide to do.

Correct.



If you were an employer you may well have people who have done this, or worse, working for you.



Maybe, it depends. If you were sent to prison your contract of employment would be terminated. If you weren't sent to prison you would probably be making a claim for unfair dismissal, if your employer sacked you.



Hmmm.

But there was no CCTV footage, so it doesn't count.




Some of the posts on here are absolutely pathetic and the people mentioning Leon Walker should be ashamed. The tragic death of a young player has NOTHING to do with what Ben Cockayne did and using it to fuel the fire is just sickening (berrigans bitch).

Why?

I can't help wondering, had Cas secured Ben Cockayne for their own team last season, in the middle of this case, when they were very close to doing so, would they be getting rid of him now? I think not somehow.

Hayward is a reserves player, big difference.

Not really, they should not be influenced by Cas sacking a second string bit parter. Would they sack Westerman if it was him involved instead, I doubt it. They also chased Cockayne during the period between the offence and the sentencing, knowing he had pleaded guilty, so this is not as spectacular a decision as some seem to think.

If Rovers sack him I will support that decision, what I am concerned about is that the club or the RFL are influenced by the media, clips of CCTV and e-mails from 'fans' they are doubtless going to get. You know Kosh, everything you stand up against on Sin Bin.

Or the matter might be dealt with as per Rovers' internal disciplinary policy.
That procedure may remain private and confidential.

We don't know at this stage. Different clubs, different players, different standards and policies.

I'll bet a pound to a pinch of salt that if Rovers do sack him; he'll be signed up by another SL club within a week.

You are correct..and that is where the problem lies if we are to attempt to try and address/rid this kind of thing from the sport.

Maybe, but not if the RFL impose their own sanctions on him similar to those dished out some players in the NRL.