Ben Crooks signs for new club after leaving Hull KR

Newly-promoted Championship club Keighley have signed experienced winger Ben Crooks on a two-year deal after departing Hull KR.

The 29-year-old left the Robins at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract after four seasons at Craven Park.

Crooks has made more than 200 career appearances for Hull FC, Castleford, Leigh and Hull KR.

He said: “I joined Keighley because they are an ambitious club on the rise.

“I know a couple of the players already who all say nothing but good things about the place.

“After speaking with Rhys (Lovegrove, coach) and Hendo (Andrew Henderson, head of rugby), I got really excited at the prospect of being a part of what they are wanting to build at the club.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing a more senior role in a predominantly youthful side as well as playing the best rugby league I can to add on to what was a very successful 2022 for the club.

“And the way we do that as a collective group is to be competitive in the Championship in 2023.

“I feel I’ve still got a lot of years of quality rugby league left in me, so hopefully I can do that here at Keighley.”

COUGARS: Wakefield utility Brad Walker makes Championship switch

Keighley boss happy to welcome Ben Crooks to Cougar Park

Cougars head of rugby Andrew Henderson said: “Ben brings undoubted quality and experience to our team.

“He has established himself as a quality Super League player during his career, who at 29 years of age could still be playing at the highest level.

“With a few of our older heads retiring or leaving the club, it was important we brought a player of Ben’s quality and experience to balance out our squad.

“He is a proven try scorer but also isn’t afraid to do the tough work needed out of back field.

“From what I’ve seen of Ben, I admire the way he competes, which will fit well here in this team.

“Ben is looking forward to the challenge of playing in this competition; and adding value to the playing group both as a player and as a role model to our younger players.

“We are very excited to have secured his services and look forward to seeing him in action for the Cougars.”

Keighley will play in the Championship in 2023 after winning every single game in League 1 this season.

PODCAST: Pat Richards reflects on career, representing Ireland and life after league

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast