Castleford have terminated the contract of reserve team player Steve Hayward following his conviction for assault.

Hayward, 20, was found guilty of attacking Kiel Thompson in November 2007 and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years.

"We cannot condone the behaviour of Steve Hayward and as a result we have terminated his contract with immediate effect," said a Tigers statement.

"Had we retained his services it would have sent out the wrong message."

Hayward, who has played just one game for Castleford reserves this season, was also ordered to do 180 hours of community service after appearing for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court.

"As a club we undertake an enormous amount of work in local schools promoting lifestyle messages in which our players are heavily involved," added the Tigers statement.

"To do this players need to be role models and the behaviour of which the player has been convicted is totally unacceptable."

Hull KR full-back Ben Cockayne was given a 51-week jail term, suspended for two years and ordered to do 240 hours of community service for his part in what the court heard was "an appalling assault" in Normanton town centre in 2007.

The Rugby Football League have referred the matter to their compliance officer while Cockayne could also face sanctions when he attends a meeting with Hull KR officials.

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