Matt Cook heads to Leeds in new role

James Gordon

Former Bradford and Castleford back-rower Matt Cook has been appointed as Leeds’ new General Manager.

Cook, 36, retired at the end of the 2021 season after a short spell at Widnes.

He was part of Bradford’s World Club Challenge winning side in 2016, and also played for Hull KR and London Broncos in Super League.

His new role will see him responsible for all rugby-related matters at Headingley, reporting to chief executive Gary Hetherington and head coach Rohan Smith.

Cook told the club’s official website: “I am really excited to be joining the club, I can’t wait to get started. Having worked with the Rugby League World Cup for the last two years, working with teams and 12 national federations, I think that has put me in really good stead for my new position at the Rhinos and moving forward.

“It is nice to be back involved at club level and working in a team environment alongside a great coaching team is something that I am very much looking forward to. Having been a player, I think that has helped me to put myself into the players mindset and making sure that things are taken care of off the pitch, so they can focus on delivering on the training field every day and on the pitch each week.”

The role will also have a focus on salary cap compliance, dual-registrations, loans and contracts, as well as providing information and recommendations on the recruitment of new players.