You are in > manchester.com  > News > Cooke moves to Hull KR

Rugby League

Cooke moves to Hull KR

23/04/2007

Hull FC stand-off Paul Cooke has resigned from the club to join cross-town rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

The 26-year-old has reportedly signed for Rovers on a three-and-a-half year deal and is hoping to be registered by his new club in time to face Huddersfield in their next Super League match.

Cooke, who is a lifelong fan of Hull KR, said he was unhappy with his contract at Hull FC and had been looking for a move away from the club, although he did not expand on his precise grievances.

"After almost ten years at the club, it is disappointing to leave in this way but all I can say is that I have enjoyed playing football for Hull FC and thank its thousands of fans for supporting me through the years," he said in a statement.

"I am very happy with the contract arrangements that have been offered to me by Hull Kingston Rovers and now look forward to helping them maintain Super League status."

A statement on Hull FC's website read: "Paul Cooke has handed in a letter of resignation to Hull FC and claims to have signed for Hull KR.

"This matter is now in the hands of the club lawyers. Hull FC will be making no further comment on this matter at this stage."

With the clubs set on a legal collision course over the matter, Hull KR have released a press statement of their own, claiming they were "acting on the basis that the player was operating as a free agent".

"The club's external legal advisors has asked the Rugby Football League to effect the players registration with immediate effect," the statement continued.

"Until such time as the registration/legal formalities are concluded the club will make no further statement."

If his registration goes ahead without a hitch, Cooke could be set to line up opposite his former team-mates in the Hull derby on Saturday May 5th.

That game is the second of the two showpiece Super League games scheduled for the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and will have added spice of Cooke takes part.

© Adfero Ltd