Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have axed a trio of regulars on the eve of one of the biggest games in the club’s history pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Full-back Kevin Locke, scrum-half Tim Smith and centre Reece Lyne have all been left out of coach Brian Smith’s 19-man squad for Saturday’s must-win Qualifiers clash against Halifax RLFC at Belle Vue.
Smith, who is in his second spell with the Wildcats, was earlier this week charged with failing to provide a sample for analysis and driving without due care and attention after an incident in Hull.
The 30-year-old Australian has been bailed to appear before East Yorkshire Magistrates Court later this month.
In a statement issued by the Wildcats earlier said: “The club have been made aware of an incident that occurred …in Hull.
“A full investigation has been launched and the club are co-operating fully with Humberside Police, the RFL and RL Cares in this matter.”
Wakefield chairman Michael Carter, who took the unusual step of attending Brian Smith’s weekly press conference at Belle Vue on Thursday, said: “The investigation is ongoing. Hopefully it will come to a conclusion by early next week.”
The three players all featured in the Wildcats’ 46-4 defeat by Widnes Vikings last Saturday.
