YORK Lokomotive ARLFC have announced that charismatic Salford Red Devils chairman Dr Marwan Koukash will be guest speaker at their forthcoming sporting lunch.

The multi-millionaire Israeli-born racehorse magnate, who has some of his horses based with Ryedale trainer Richard Fahey, has repeatedly hit rugby league headlines since overhauling the Super League club following his 2013 takeover, challenging Rugby Football League salary cap regulations along the way.

He also named some of his racehorses after famous rugby league figures, such as Brian Noble and Rangi Chase.

The sporting lunch will be on Sunday, March 29, at the Park Inn, North Street, York, starting at 1pm.

A Lokos statement said: "With issues such as the salary cap, desires to improve the exposure of rugby league, ambitions to possess an NRL club, and his wife’s attempt to procure Bradford Bulls, Super League’s most colourful chairman is certain to captivate an eager gathering."

The event also comprises a three-course meal, a comedian and a memorabilia auction and raffle.

Tickets are priced at £30 and tables, which hold up to 12 people, should be booked in advance. For information or to buy tickets, phone Matt Chapman on 07415 341428 or Simon Moat on 07828 816986.

Meanwhile, the Lokos have joined other local clubs in showing support for York City Knights in their fight to retain a home in the Minster city after being ejected by City of York Council from both Huntington Stadium and the community stadium plan.

The Yorkshire Men's League outfit, originally named after York's railway heritage, have objected to the stadium planning application on the basis the Knights are no longer involved, with a club statement saying: "We urge all our members & followers (and other North Yorkshire RL supporters) to sign the ‘Help Save The Knights’ petition to inform the City of York Council of your disgust in the deal offered to the Knights and the way the game of rugby league has been treated recently in our great city.

"It is not viable for the Knights to continue to play home games in locations such as Doncaster but they also need clarity and equality moving forward in the proposed community stadium.

"We, along with all other North Yorkshire amateur rugby league clubs, feel there is huge potential for a Super League club in York and fully support the York City Knights."