A rugby player who began his career in Huddersfield is at the centre of a sex-abuse storm.
Hull KR have left prop forward Adam Walker out of their team for Sunday’s Super League match at Huddersfield after it emerged he was at the centre of a police investigation.
The 24-year-old Scotland international has been questioned by police over allegations he tried to groom two 14-year-old girls for sex, according to the Mail on Sunday.
In a statement, the club say they are aware of the investigation but insist the newspaper report is inaccurate and that Walker maintains his innocence. They say they have also put the matter in the hands of their solicitors.
The statement said: “At no stage have the police (or local authority) made contact with the club to express concerns regarding any safeguarding issues.
“The club understands from speaking with Adam and his solicitor that he has not been arrested in relation to any allegations, has voluntarily assisted them with their enquiries and maintains his total innocence of any allegations against him.
“No disciplinary finding has been made against Adam and the article in the Mail on Sunday is inaccurate in so far as it relates to that and other comments.
“The club have placed matters in the hands of their solicitors to address those inaccuracies, as at all times Hull Kingston Rovers seeks to promote and uphold the values of a community and family centric club.
“However, in light of the article in the Mail on Sunday, it is felt by the club that it is most appropriate for Adam to be stood down for selection today. This is not an admission of wrongdoing but felt to be in the best interests of everyone, including Adam.
“There will be no further comment at this stage from the club or player.”
West Yorkshire Police said: "A 24-year-old man voluntarily attended at Wakefield in connection with an investigation into offences of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child. Inquiries are ongoing."
Walker was born in Bradford and made his debut in the sport at Huddersfield Giants.
He played only six games for the John Smith’s Stadium club before moving on to Hull KR.
The prop forward has made 43 appearances for the Humberside club. He scored his first try of the season against London Broncos, on May25.
In October 2013, Walker was selected to play for Scotland in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. He made his international début against Tonga in the group stage.
In October and November 2014, Adam played in the 2014 European Cup competition. He played in the tournaments opening game against Wales.
An earlier version of this article was wrongly illustrated with a picture of Adam Walker's twin brother Jonny Walker. We apologise to Jonny Walker for our error and we confirm that Jonny Walker has never been charged with any child sex offence.
