Wigan Today has reported that former Salford Red Devils’ captain Malcolm Alker will face a jury at Bolton Crown Court on November 29 for allegedly robbing a Wigan KFC.

Alker, 39, and Michael Naylor, 25, are accused of stealing £578 from the fast food restaurant and £120 of cash and cigarettes from a nearby Tesco store.

Both are also charged with possessing a “bladed article” in a public place during the incidents on Halloween and have been remanded in custody until the trial.

One-club man

Wigan-born Alker spent his entire career at Salford, making his professional debut in 1997 at the age of 18.

Just three years later he captained the Reds for the first time and after promotion to Super League, he quickly became one of the best English hookers in the game.

This was recognised in 2002 when he was called up to play for Lancashire and in 2005, Alker made two appearances for his country.

In August 2010, he retired from rugby league due to injury after 13 years at Salford and well over 350 appearances for the club.

Alker took up a coaching role with the Reds following his retirement and in 2011 he was the assistant coach to Shaun McRae.

However, things ended on a sour note with the Reds when he was dismissed from the club's coaching team in April 2012 after being sent home from a training session.

He later filed a complaint against the club feeling he had been 'ousted' from his job after a disagreement with the hierarchy of the club.

Alker's book: The Devil Within

Alker caused controversy in his book 'The Devil Within' when he admitted to taking cocaine and using performance-enhancing drugs during his career leading to depression.

Speaking at the time, he told Manchester Evening News: “The book is a real warts-and-all account of my life and my career. I said I wanted to go to the grave with a clear conscience and it tells of the mistakes that I’ve made in life.

“I once went a full season needing a shoulder reconstruction but battled on. I also underwent a course of human growth hormone.

“I became depressed but, by coming clean, I hope what I’ve revealed will see things improve within the game for player welfare.

“I’m also hoping that young players will take note, realise the pressures of professional rugby and the pitfalls and don’t make the mistakes that I did.”

Alker attracted the support of the entire rugby league family last year when he was reported missing in April 2016.

He was found safe and well the following day after numerous pleas for help and information on social media.
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