RFL probes Widnes player's claim he was deliberately targeted

The Rugby Football League has begun an investigation into claims by Widnes Vikings subordinate Nick Gregson that he was deliberately targeted successful their Championship conclusion by Swinton Lions.

Gregson, who antecedently played for nan Greater Manchester side, posted connected X, formerly Twitter, alleging that nan Swinton squad were instructed to target his shoulder, which he had antecedently dislocated earlier this season.

In nan post, Gregson besides shared an image which he claimed was posted successful nan Swinton dressing room of himself pinch a noose astir his cervix and nan building "bully him" written supra it.

Swinton person said they "refute nan accuracy of nan allegations" and are successful interaction pinch nan RFL and their solicitors.

Widnes person made a general title to nan RFL, who told BBC Sport that an independent interrogator has been appointed.

The guardant said nan wounded he sustained successful nan lucifer could spot him miss nan remainder of nan 2nd tier season.

The 28-year-old spent 3 years playing for Swinton earlier joining Widnes successful November and described nan photograph and alleged targeting of him arsenic "outrageous".

"We play astir apt nan toughest crippled of each for not overmuch money and person to person a full-time occupation connected apical of that. I americium perfectly devastated that we mislaid and besides that I astir apt can't play again this year," he said.

"There is much to life than rugby convention and it's not thing I want immoderate portion of if that's deemed acceptable."

Widnes, who mislaid Sunday's crippled 24-12, said successful a connection that they are "100% down Nick and offering him immoderate support he needs".

The Vikings are 5th successful nan 14-team Championship, while Swinton are 10th.