Paul Cooke

Who is Paul Cooke?

Paul Cooke is a rugby league player for Doncaster in the Championship. He previously played for Wakefield Trinity and Hull Kingston Rovers having transferred from cross city-rivals, Hull in April 2007. Paul can cover two positions with loose forward and standoff.

His pairing with Richard Horne led to the memorable victory over Leeds in the 2005 Challenge Cup Final in which Cooke scored the winning try to give Hull a 25-24 victory. Hull reached the 2006 Super League Grand final to be contested against St Helens RLFC and Cooke played at stand-off half back in his side's 4-26 loss.

On 22 July after being given a franchise for Super League from 2009 to 2011 Salford 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 earlier in their careers.

On 19 April 2007, BBC Radio Humberside announced that Paul Cooke was to walk out on Hull 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 against Bradford that night. The saga was based around Cooke's frustration at being on a lower wage than other established stars at Hull. Asking the board for a pay rise, the request was denied. With Hull refusing to increase his pay, Paul Cooke walked out on Hull and signed for Hull Kingston Rovers.