Super League's reigning Man of Steel Rangi Chase has been suspended by his club after an apparent breach of club discipline.
Castleford's 26-year-old England international was dropped for last Sunday's 40-22 Stobart Super League defeat at Leeds.
Tigers coach Ian Millward refused to shed any light on the situation during the post-match press conference but on Tuesday the club announced they had begun an investigation.
In a statement the club said: "Castleford Tigers can confirm that Rangi Chase has been suspended on full pay while the club investigates his actions last weekend.
"The club hope for the conclusion of this matter sooner rather than later and will not comment further on the situation at this stage so to not prejudice the case for either party."Chase, who has appeared in England's last six matches including an 18-10 win over the Exiles 10 days ago, has never been far from controversy.
He was dropped, along with Joe Westerman, by then Castleford coach Terry Matterson for a match at Huddersfield in April 2010 for a breach of discipline and was forced to return to Australia last August to attend a court case.
Chase caused a stir in October when he switched his allegiance from New Zealand to England and was called into Steve McNamara's team for the Four Nations Series.
He had played for the Maoris against England in 2010 and was man of the match for the Exiles in their 16-12 victory over England at Headingley last summer.
Chase, who last September signed a new contract tying him to the Tigers until the end of 2015, is currently the subject of much speculation over his future.
Warrington are thought to have had a big-money offer for him rejected and Huddersfield are also being linked with a move.
