FORMER Wolves second rower Ian Knott will be a beneficiary of two events organised by rugby league charity XIII Heroes to support his fight against serious back problems.

Knott has had five back operations since his retirement in 2005 and has been told by doctors he will never work again.

The 30-year-old will receive a large proportion of the proceeds from a casino night at the George Hotel in Huddersfield on April 14 and a benefit dinner is also being held in his honour at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on May 26.

Tickets for the casino night, which starts from 6pm, are priced at £12.50 each with Knott scheduled to be in attendance at the event.

People purchasing tickets will also get £50 worth of free gambling chips, free entry to the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the hotel, a buffet meal and access to the match between Harlequins and Wakefield on television.

Tickets for The Halliwell Jones dinner, likely to start at around 7pm, cost £37.50 each with all proceeds going to Knott.

Paul Cullen is expected to make an appearance along with some other surprise guests.

Knott played for Wakefield and Leigh after scoring 34 tries in 135 appearances for Warrington between 1995 and 2001.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at www.xiiiheroes.com or by writing to XIII Heroes, 11a Martin Avenue, Oldham, Lancashire, OL4 5HF.