Paul Cooke

Infobox rugby league biography
playername = Paul Cooke
fullname = Paul Cooke
nickname = Cookie


caption =
country =
position = Stand-Off / Loose Forward
currentclub = leagueicon|Hull KR|size=16 Hull KR
clubnumber = 6
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1981|4|17
placeofbirth = Hull
countryofbirth = England
height = height|ft=6|in=5
weight = 16 st 0 lb (102 kg)
club1 = leagueicon|Hull FC|size=16 Hull FC
year1start = 1998
year1end = 2007
appearances1 = 221
tries1 =
goals1 =
fieldgoals1 =
points1 = 798
club2 = leagueicon|Hull KR|size=16 Hull KR
year2start = 2007
year2end = present
appearances2 = 33
tries2 = 2
goals2 = 76
fieldgoals2 =
points2 = 160
teamA = Flagicon|England England
yearAstart =
yearAend =
appearancesA =
triesA =
goalsA =
fieldgoalsA =
pointsA =
updated =
source =
new = yes

Paul Cooke (born April 17, 1981 in east Hull) is a professional rugby league player with Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League, having transferred from cross city-rivals, Hull FC in April 2007. Paul can cover two positions with loose forward his preferred choice but at Hull FC mostly played in the half-backs.

Hull born Cooke was a stalwart in the Hull FC side, having come through the academy and earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking players in Super League. In contrast, his abilities as a defender were always his weaker point and he has sometimes been criticised for his erratic long-kicking game.

His pairing with Richard Horne led to the memorable victory over Leeds Rhinos in the 2005 Challenge Cup Final in which Cooke scored the winning try to give Hull FC a 25-24 victory.

On 22nd July after being given a franchise for Super League from 2009 to 2011 Salford City Reds coach Shaun McRae said he would be interested in speaking to Cooke with an intention of him joining his side. Cooke and McRae worked together at Hull FC earlier in their careers.

Hull KR transfer saga

On 19 April 2007, BBC Radio Humberside sensationally announced that Paul Cooke was to walk out on Hull FC to join cross city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers. Cooke was born in East Hull where Hull KR are based and supported the club as a youngster. He played his last game for Hull FC against Bradford Bulls that night. The saga was based around Cooke's frustration at being on a lower wage than other established stars at Hull FC. Asking the board for a £10,000 pay rise, to put him on level with the as mentioned established stars, the request was denied. He then later gave the board of Hull FC every opportunity to raise his pay. With Hull FC refusing to increase his pay, Paul Cooke walked out on Hull FC (he wasn't approached by Hull KR which was proven in an inquiry) and signed for Hull KR.

Legal Battle as Cooke hands in resignation

On April 23 2007, it was announced that Cooke had signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Hull Kingston Rovers, taking effect immediately. The RFL initially blocked this transfer [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/hull/6584157.stm Cooke secures switch to Hull KR] BBC News - 27 April 2007] stating that his registration remained with Hull FC. Some confusion followed amid allegations that he had never signed his contract with Hull FC, despite local media reports at the time to the contrary. However the move went ahead and he duly turned up playing for the "Robins" the following week.

Cooke finally realised his dream of playing for his boyhood heroes. Although he will always be remembered for his part in Hull FCs Challenge Cup Victory over Leeds in 2005, he may find himself vilified by some Hull FC fans. His form has been improving for his new Club, manifested on the 3 August 2007 where he helped inspire his team to a vital victory at fellow strugglers Salford City Reds by 30-24, which all but guaranteed top flight status for the Robins going into the 2008 Campaign,

In November 2007 a Rugby Football League tribunal found Cooke guilty of misconduct for approaching the Robins while still under contract to Hull FC. His punishment included a ban that will rule him out of the first six games of the 2008 season.

Following the tribunal decision Hull FC chief executive James Rule said "We will now take time to consider our next steps with regard to potential future civil action" suggesting the Cooke transfer saga may be far from over.

References

External links

* [http://www.hullkr.co.uk/firstteam.php Hull KR profile]