Cockayne hails Wakefield staff and players after England call-up
Wakefield Wildcats winger Ben Cockayne has thanked the coaching and playing staff at his club after his call-up to the England Elite Training Squad.
The former Hull Kingston Rovers man, who has often been labelled as one of the game’s ‘bad boys’ after a series of disciplinary incidents in the past, believes that a new focus, combined with the support of the staff at Wakefield, has improved his performances.
“There’s a lot of people at Wakefield who have got to be acknowledged for this,” Cockayne told SLTV.
“First of all, the coaching staff for giving me the chance to get back into Super League.
“Richard Agar and ‘Webbo’ [James Webster] and the rest have been unbelievable to me.
“They’ve given me a free role which has benefited my game.
“And the players around me – without them I wouldn’t be here today. There’s a lot of people to thank, and I’ll do that in my own time.
“For Wakefield to get someone into the Elite Training Squad is a real big deal for them, and it shows the strides we’re making as a club.”
And the utility back, who is now settled on the wing for Wakefield, is keen to maintain his current momentum.
“I’d like to keep my place in the England squad for a start,” he asserted.
“I know that squad will be trimmed down later on in the year, so I just want to keep my form up for Wakefield, to keep doing well and hopefully something will come from it for later in the year.
“I think part of enjoying your rugby league depends on what you’re doing off the field as well, and I’ve got other interests away from rugby league.
“The coaching staff and other players at Wakefield are unbelievable, so to have that kind of people around me, as well as other interests keeping me focused away from rugby league too, it all benefits me.
“I’ve just got a bit of free role within our team, that gives me chance to express myself a little bit more on the field.
“That’s been recognised by Steve and his staff, and hopefully I can push on and make something of my chance.”