A York City Knights rugby league star has been suspended from the game after failing a drugs test.

The Evening Press learned today that winger Alex Godfrey, who lives in York, tested positive for an element of a banned substance.

The Rugby Football League confirmed that a two-year ban had been imposed by the RFL's Advisory Panel for a breach of its doping control regulations.

However, Godfrey - the club's leading try-scorer this season - has appealed against the ruling, with a hearing being pencilled in for some time next month.

Godfrey, who has not played since May 23, initially due to injury and illness and last week because of the ban, will be suspended from action in the meantime.

The statement from the RFL reads: "Alex Godfrey of York City Knights has appealed against a two-year suspension imposed by the Rugby Football League's Advisory Panel for a breach of the RFL's doping control regulations.

"Godfrey was found guilty of providing a sample containing Benzoylecgonine and his appeal will be heard on a date to be confirmed."

A website run by Government agency UK Sport, the body responsible for supporting athletes, defines Benzoylecgonine as a "diagnostic metabolite of cocaine".

Both the RFL and the club have refused to confirm any details surrounding the case, saying any further comment could affect the appeal.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres told the Evening Press Press: "The RFL has issued a statement and the club has no other comment because it might prejudice the hearing."

The Evening Press understands that any positive drugs test comprises absolute liability, whereby the player must prove his innocence rather than the RFL his guilt. No details of the defence have been confirmed.

The RFL will now appoint a three-man independent panel, the chairman of which will have a strong legal background, to hear the case.

York-born Godfrey, 25, started his career with York Wasps, starring in the 1998 side who were runners-up in the old second division, before moving on to have successful spells with Dewsbury Rams and Hull KR.

He returned to Huntington Stadium with the Knights at the start of last season, scoring the new club's first-ever try, against Hull KR.

The player has been advised by his lawyer not to comment.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, June 10, 2004