Wildcats extend Cockayne stay

The former Featherstone Rovers and Hull KR man has been one of the Stobart Super League’s most in-form wingers with seven tries in his opening eight games including a hat-trick against Huddersfield Giants.

His typically wholehearted performances have already endeared Cockayne to the Wildcats faithful after joining on an initial one-year deal for the 2012 campaign.

After his flying start to the season, the 28-year old has been rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium until the end of 2014.

“When I signed, Rich (Agar) said to me that if I started the season well then he’d look after me and we’d sit down about extending my stay, and I’m really happy to sign the contract extension,” said Cockayne.

“It’s been great so far.  It was all about me having another chance to play Super League again and I’m enjoying being at the club.

“It was a massive bonus for me to get back into Super League and not only that but to join a club that is very much on the up is a real positive.”

News of Cockayne’s deal is a timely one for the Wildcats after a below-par showing against London Broncos and with the visit of Castleford Tigers to the Rapid Solicitors Stadium on Good Friday (kick-off: 7.30pm), with the club aiming for a sell out crowd for the first time since the ‘Million Pound Match’ against the Tigers in 2006.

Cockayne is expecting a tough week leading into that local showdown after the disappointment in the capital.

“Any defeat is a hard one to take but when you concede 36 points and get nilled that’s about as low as it can get,” said Cockayne.

“Considering the way we’ve been playing recently it was pretty disgusting on Saturday so I’m sure it’ll be an intense week in training working on the areas where we got bashed up by London ready for this Friday.

“You don’t need motivation for derby games but there will certainly be an extra added bit of motivation this Friday to put things right from the London game.”