Cooke suspended over Hull KR move

[~lee~]

Hull KR's Paul Cooke will miss the first six weeks of next season after being found guilty of misconduct over his controversial move from Hull.
Cooke, 26, was banned until 17 March for approaching Rovers with a view to joining them without permission from Hull FC, when he was under contract.

He resigned from Hull in April, saying he had never signed his contract.

Cooke, who has yet to comment on the case, was ordered to pay the costs of the hearing. He has 14 days to appeal.

The Rugby Football League accepted his registration and cleared the stand-off to make his Rovers debut on 27 April against Huddersfield.

He went on to make 14 appearances for the club for the club he supported as a boy, including two victories over Hull, which helped keep Rovers in Super league.

In those 14 games he scored one try, 36 goals and two drop goals.

Hull KR were cleared of any wrong-doing over the affiar, and have given their public backing to the player.


bbc.co.uk

[quins rl]

Think HKR have done very well to get off with no punishment from that episode!

[~lee~]

Hull FC ponder Cooke legal action


Hull FC are considering taking legal action against former player Paul Cooke over his controversial move to Hull KR.
A Rugby Football League tribunal found Cooke guilty of misconduct for approaching the Robins while still under contract to Hull FC.

"We will now take time to consider our next steps with regard to potential future civil action," said Hull FC chief executive James Rule.

But Hull KR have reacted angrily, threatening to reveal case details.

"Naturally we are disappointed by both the ruling and punishment of the RFL tribunal," read a Hull KR statement.

"The scope of the RFL inquiry was so narrowly restricted by its rules to prevent a full and proper examination of all the facts relevant to this case.

"Whether that examination takes place will largely depend on Hull FC and their decision whether to bring civil proceedings against Paul and/or the club.

"Should they do so, we would welcome the opportunity to bring into the public domain the whole facts and background circumstances surrounding Paul's transfer."

Cooke has been banned until 17 March, although he has two weeks in which to appeal against the judgement.

"It is extremely important to understand that this ruling was wholly based on a narrow and self-serving interpretation of the 'registration' rules," continued Hull KR's statement.

"It goes nowhere near answering the all-important question of why a player with nine years' service from the age of 17 would become so disillusioned so as to end his playing career with Hull FC.

"Until those people connected to Hull FC are called to account to answer that question in an open forum, it is premature for anyone to start claiming the moral high ground and a supposed victory in the name of the integrity of the game."

Cooke scored 798 points from 221 appearances in his nine seasons with the club and was the hero of their 2005 Challenge Cup triumph over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium with the late match-winning try.

He made 14 appearances for Hull KR, the club he supported as a boy, including two victories over Hull and helped keep them in Super League.

Hull FC said the RFL ruling was vital to stop a repeat of the situation in the future.

"Throughout this entire saga we have sought to maintain a dignified stance," added Rule.

"We have not descended into making comments and whinging to the media. Rather we have sought to rely on the due process.

"I have to say the after effects of Paul Cooke's departure were difficult for our players, coaches, staff and fans to take. However, this decision I am sure will be very warmly received by them all.

"Finally, this is a sad day for Paul Cooke but the right decision for the integrity of the game."



bbc.co.uk

[quins rl]

Hull FC ponder Cooke legal action


Hull FC are considering taking legal action against former player Paul Cooke over his controversial move to Hull KR.
A Rugby Football League tribunal found Cooke guilty of misconduct for approaching the Robins while still under contract to Hull FC.

"We will now take time to consider our next steps with regard to potential future civil action," said Hull FC chief executive James Rule.

But Hull KR have reacted angrily, threatening to reveal case details.

"Naturally we are disappointed by both the ruling and punishment of the RFL tribunal," read a Hull KR statement.

"The scope of the RFL inquiry was so narrowly restricted by its rules to prevent a full and proper examination of all the facts relevant to this case.

"Whether that examination takes place will largely depend on Hull FC and their decision whether to bring civil proceedings against Paul and/or the club.

"Should they do so, we would welcome the opportunity to bring into the public domain the whole facts and background circumstances surrounding Paul's transfer."

Cooke has been banned until 17 March, although he has two weeks in which to appeal against the judgement.

"It is extremely important to understand that this ruling was wholly based on a narrow and self-serving interpretation of the 'registration' rules," continued Hull KR's statement.

"It goes nowhere near answering the all-important question of why a player with nine years' service from the age of 17 would become so disillusioned so as to end his playing career with Hull FC.

"Until those people connected to Hull FC are called to account to answer that question in an open forum, it is premature for anyone to start claiming the moral high ground and a supposed victory in the name of the integrity of the game."

Cooke scored 798 points from 221 appearances in his nine seasons with the club and was the hero of their 2005 Challenge Cup triumph over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium with the late match-winning try.

He made 14 appearances for Hull KR, the club he supported as a boy, including two victories over Hull and helped keep them in Super League.

Hull FC said the RFL ruling was vital to stop a repeat of the situation in the future.

"Throughout this entire saga we have sought to maintain a dignified stance," added Rule.

"We have not descended into making comments and whinging to the media. Rather we have sought to rely on the due process.

"I have to say the after effects of Paul Cooke's departure were difficult for our players, coaches, staff and fans to take. However, this decision I am sure will be very warmly received by them all.

"Finally, this is a sad day for Paul Cooke but the right decision for the integrity of the game."



bbc.co.uk
I wonder?:rolleyes: