John Duffy sacked by Featherstone having been accused of gross misconduct
Championship club Featherstone have terminated the contract of head coach John Duffy after accusing him of gross misconduct.
Rovers say Duffy, who has been in charge of the club since July 2017, failed to report for the first day of pre-season training on November 12 amid speculation that he is set to fill the coaching vacancy at Leigh.
A statement said: "The club have taken legal advice in relation to issues surrounding Duffy's conduct and have today terminated his contract, as a result of his actions of gross misconduct.
"It is disappointing that the club has had to take this stance, especially after Duffy was awarded an extension to his contract through to the end of the 2020 season.
"Formal action is now being taken against Duffy for breach of contract and Leigh for inducement to breach contract."
Featherstone have placed strength and conditioner Greg Stebbings and recently-appointed reserve team coach Paul March in charge of training as they search for a replacement.
Leigh need a new coach after Keiron Purtill left to take over at Widnes.
Chester pens new Wakefield deal
Wakefield head coach Chris Chester has signed a new three-year contract with the Super League club.
Chester, a former player with Halifax, Wigan, Hull and Hull KR, joined his hometown club in March 2016, shortly after losing his job as Rovers head coach, and has guided Trinity to consecutive fifth-placed finishes in Super League.
Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter said: "It is fantastic news for everyone associated with the club.
"We have been having a chat for six months about tying Chris down for a further length of time.
"We both sat down yesterday and got the deal sorted; it is absolutely fantastic Chris is on board for another three years at least."
Chester, 40, guided Rovers to the 2015 Challenge Cup final in his first full season as a head coach and led Wakefield to the semi-finals in his first year at Belle Vue.
He was rewarded with two-year contract extension that was due to expire at the end of 2019 and is delighted to further prolong his stay.
Chester said: "I am very happy. To get my deal sorted so quickly is great news for me and my family.
"We are very settled here, I am a Wakefield Trinity fan and a Wakefield lad and I am delighted to have agreed another three years."
Chester was recently appointed co-coach of Scotland, alongside former Featherstone boss John Duffy.
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