Wildcats confirm Cooke capture

Friday 19th March 2010

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have completed the signing of Paul Cooke from Hull KR

The 28-year-old England international stand off half joins the Wildcats on a deal which lasts until the end of the 2010 season.

The signing was confimed today after several days of talks between the clubs and Wakefield coach John Kear is delighted to have secured a player he enjoyed great success with, when the pair worked together at Hull FC.

"Paul Cooke is one of the most gifted players of his generation and we're delighted that he has signed for the Wildcats", said Kear.

"Paul is very versatile because he can play at loose forward if it becomes necessary and that's a great option to have available for any Super League club.

Kear added, "I worked with Paul when I was on the coaching staff at Hull FC so we know each other well. I'm a great admirer of his skill set and also recognise the great talent he has for playing Rugby League.

"He's the kind of player who makes other players play well and that's a special quality we can use at the Hearwell Stadium."

Paul Cooke said: "I'm delighted to be joining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and working with John Kear again.

"The Wildcats have shown some great form in 2010 and I'm looking forward to joining an exciting team.

"I'd like to thank everybody at Hull KR, the players, staff and, particularly, the fans for all the support they've given me while I've been at Craven Park."

The Wildcats say Cooke could well make his debut for them against Salford City Reds at the Hearwell Stadium on Sunday after being named in Wakefield's 19-man squad.

Cooke started his professional career with Hull FC in 1999 and played 204 games in black and white before moving across to arch rivals Hull Kingston Rovers in a high profile deal in 2007.  Since moving to Craven Park Paul has played 65 games for Rovers.

Cooke is one of the largest halfbacks playing in the modern game as he is 6ft 5ins (1.96m) tall and weighs in at 16stones (102kg).