Cooke set for sensational cross-city switch

Hull stand off Paul Cooke looks set for a sensational cross-city switch to Hull KR after hading in a letter of resignation to Hull FC.

Rumours had been circulating internet messageboards throughout the weekend following comments on BBC Radio Humberside late last week, rumours that appear to have been confirmed by a Robins official in this week's Rugby Leaguer & League Express newspaper.

And those rumours have been proved correct with the news today that Cooke had claimed to his club that he'd signed for Rovers.

Cooke, 26, played in Hull's 32-22 defeat to Bradford on Friday, kicking three goals. But according to a report in today's League Express newspaper, he doesn't have a legally binding contract at the KC Stadium.

That would mean Hull KR could entice him to Craven Park without having to pay their fierce rivals, whom they lost to on Easter Monday, a fee for the lifelong Robins fan.

Hull, however, have sent the matter to the club's lawyers, as Chief Executive Kath Hetherington tries to defend their corner and stop them losing their star man.

According to the report, the only thing standing in the way of Rovers are salary cap restrictions, as they need to convince the RFL they can sign Cooke and remain within their allocated allowance for the 2007 season.

It would certainly be a controversial switch by Cooke, but a very important one for the Robins, who must be fancied to maintain their Super League status with such a high quality player signing up for them.

Yesterday's defeat at home to Salford leaves them just one point above bottom placed Reds, following six straight league losses.