LEIGH Centurions owner Derek Beaumont is set to take on his Salford Red Devils counterpart Marwan Koukash on ITV1 show Judge Rinder today, Tuesday. 

The daytime courtroom TV programme will see Derek Beaumont battle it out with the Rainford-based Red Devils owner over Leigh Centurions’ signing of Gareth Hock from Salford and his subsequent appearance against his former club in the Challenge Cup in 2015.

Derek Beaumont said: “Whilst Marwan and I are good friends now it didn’t start that way with the business over Gaz.

“Whilst we resolved that to a point, there was always a slight niggle that we had put to one side.

“So when the opportunity came about it was good to take it up to see how it would be perceived by a judge and who better than Judge Rinder?”

“It was great to have a bit of fun whilst resolving a genuine issue and to be able to do it in an informal way that brings some attention to the game of Rugby League to a massive mainstream daytime audience.

“It is well known we are both outspoken and not shy of the cameras and that we do our best to create attention for our great game.

“Judge Rinder was great fun, and apart from being an extremely intelligent man, he is a very funny guy as you will see.

"I have no doubt those that know Marwan and me will be watching to see if we received the famous Judge Rinder ‘pfffttt’ to pipe down whilst he talked."

The respective club owners are also engaged in another battle - a weight loss challenge to be the Biggest Loser in the Betfred Super League which will be revealed before their sides meet in the Dacia Magic weekend at the Sports Direct Arena on May 21.

Derek added: “I hope people tune in and enjoy it for what it is. It’s currently one-nil to Marwan with Salford having beaten us on the field (on Good Friday) so this could be my chance to equalise before the weigh-in at the Dacia Magic Weekend."

Judge Rinder usually focuses on small-claims cases. After questioning the claimant, defendant and witnesses, and assessing the evidence, Judge Rinder makes a ruling on each case.

Many fans have questioned the pair's appearance on the programme but Derek Beaumont has tweeted to say it 'gives publicity to the game'.

Do you agree?

The show airs at 2pm today, Tuesday, but here's a sneak peek of what viewers can expect. 

If you missed it, the episode will be available on catch up here.