Chev Walker, Leeds Rhinos' England international, returned to pre-season training yesterday after his release from prison and immediately issued a public apology.

The 21-year-old England three-quarter came out of a young offenders' institute on Sunday after serving five months of an 18-month sentence for his part in a Leeds city-centre brawl.

"I would like to apologise for any embarrassment my actions have caused the Leeds Rhinos club, its players and supporters," he said. "I have paid a heavy price and I realise that my actions put the good name of both Leeds and the game of rugby league in jeopardy.

"I deeply regret and apologise for my actions. I am now looking forward to getting back to playing for Leeds and repaying the faith that so many people have shown in me. I would like to thank the club, players and fans for their support over the past couple of months which have obviously been an extremely difficult time for me and my family."

Raynor said: “I am deeply embarrassed at this situation, I wish to apologise for the embarrassment this situation will have caused the club.
I am thankful that I can put this behind me now and intend to focus on giving 100 per cent to my responsibilities as a professional player with Hull FC."

Cooke accepted his behaviour was unacceptable and fell below the standards expected of him: "Paul wishes to apologise for the embarrassment he has caused to himself, his family and his club."

Get a life!



In the past players have apologised, yes, is it a must? No.
Will Ben make a public apology? More then likely but if he doesn't i fully expect to see this post dragged back up in 2015.

Do you think they've done anything wrong??

All they are doing is print the story, i always thought that is what newspapers did?

There is such a thing as overkill.

Depends on your standards I suppose. When most players have embarrassed their club to this extent a public apology to the club and supporters is part of the player's rehabilitation. Looks like he doesn't need to make amends with the Rovers fans though if you're already planning a warm ovation for him at the derby.

It's not about him needing to make amends it was meant as a show of support.
To say that not everyone is daft enough to want him publically crucified.

What like Radio Humberside did nothing wrong in breaking the Cooke Story????

ban them from the KC, boo hoo wailed the FC faithful,

I don't need an apology from Ben,

he has been tried and convicted, the judge hands down the sentence not the Hull Daily Mail, Rovers or Hull Supporters.

Did we miss racist Raynors aplology ?????????????? did the HDM bait him???????????? do you lot back him???????????? did you want him sacked?????????????