Wakefield Wildcats have completed the signing of Paul Cooke from Hull Kingston Rovers and announced his signing to a news conference. There are suggestions that he will go straight into the Wildcat's squad for this Sunday's game against Salford.
Cooke has been a controversial figure on Humberside for a few years due to eratic off field behaviour and the way his move from Hull to Hull KR came about.
The official statement that appeared on the Wildcats website reads:
"Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed 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. 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).
John Kear, the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Head Coach, said: “Paul Cooke is one of the most gifted players of his generation and we’re delighted that he has signed for the Wildcats.
“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.
“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 while I’ve been at Craven Park.”
A further statement was later put up explaining about Cooke's availability:
"Newly-signed Paul Cooke could make his debut for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Sunday when they face Salford City Reds in Round Seven of the Engage Super League at the Hearwell Stadium (Kick off 3 30pm).
He has been included in the 19-man squad for the game by Head Coach John Kear.
And with stand off Ben Jeffries still out of action with a leg injury the chances of Cooke being included in the action at some stage in the game look to be quite high.
There’s also a place in the squad for scrum half Danny Brough in spite of the intense speculation that he may be leaving the Wildcats.
Both hooker James Davey and prop Ben Gledhill, who were included for the squad that played at Hull KR a week ago, are retained by Kear.
Kear said: “I expect that Cooke will get a chance to play in this game but I’ll make a decision about that closer to the kick off time.”
Wildcats 19-man squad is: Matthew Blaymire, Damien Blanch, Sean Gleeson, Daryl Millard, Danny Brough, Shane Tronc, Michael Korkidas, Dale Ferguson, Glenn Morrison, Jason Demetriou, Sam Obst, Kevin Henderson, Aaron Murphy, Tevita Leo-Latu, Paul Cooke, Dale Morton, James Davey, Richard Moore, Ben Gledhill."
The other big story is the fact that Gareth Thomas, a 100 cap veteran of Welsh Rugby Union, is set to make his rugby league debut tonight for the Crusaders against Catalans Dragons in front of the Sky TV cameras.
A story that appeared on the Crusaders website yesterday read:
"All eyes will be on Gareth Thomas at the Racecourse Ground tomorrow when the former Wales and British Lions captain makes his Engage Super League debut for Crusaders RL.
The Wrexham club are expecting the appearance of Thomas to swell the crowd to between 6,000 and 7,000, double what they had originally expected, for the visit of French club Catalans Dragons.
Head coach Brian Noble confirmed today that the 35-year-old Thomas would be in his 17 after completing a fortnight’s crash course in rugby league.
“While the focus of attention will be on Gareth, it’s a tough ask for him but he’s ready for the challenge,” said Noble.
“Through all the hullabaloo, the reason he’s come is to be as good as he can at rugby league and his journey starts tomorrow.
“His application and his determination to do well will stand him in good stead. He came to us as a good athlete and he’s handled the physical side of what we’ve been doing really well.”
Thomas is expected to start on the wing and, according to Catalans coach Kevin Walters, will not be a particular target for the opposition.
“We’ve got enough problems of our own,” said Walters, who is preparing to give a debut to 20-year-old half-back David Guasch, nephew of club chairman Bernard, as he wrestles with an early-season injury crisis.
“I don’t know much about him, except that he’s a name, but he’ll be good for them and not only on the field. He’ll bring excitement and a buzz not only to the club but to the game.”
Despite being in his mid-30s Crusaders officials are hoping that Thomas will be a success. There is no doubting his commitment as a player. I found it interesting when he signed that people were still asking about his sexuality and what impact that would have.
I thoroughly believe it has no impact at all, and for people to even suggest it is somewhat insulting to a sport that has worked so hard to build up links with Stonewall and actively promotes "League for all".
I hope his debut is a success. I'll be penning a report of this game later.
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