Ben Cockayne goes another year at Doncaster

Doncaster have announced Ben Cockayne has signed a new deal for the 2022 season.

Cockayne, who started his career with Doncaster back in 2005, signed back with his first club towards the end of the 2021 season.

During his time there, he helped them reach the League One playoff final, which they lost against Workington.

He signed after leaving a role at Super League side Hull KR. This was not long after he was fined over social media comments he made about the pandemic.

The 38-year-old then resumed his playing career, having not stepped out onto the pitch since leaving York in 2019. He has also represented Hull KR, Featherstone and Wakefield.

Falling short gave Cockayne the motivation

Doncaster finished fifth in League One in 2021, meaning they entered the playoffs. They knocked out Hunslet at home before surviving a second half fightback to beat North Wales.

There was then late drama in Keighley. Jake Sweeting knocked over a conversion with the last kick of the game to send the Dons into the final.

However, they could not go that extra step, falling short in Cumbria against Workington. Cockayne said he wants to put this right in 2022.

Speaking to the club website, Cockayne said of his new deal:“I enjoyed what we achieved last year and just falling short gave me the motivation to come back and have another bite of the cherry.

“For the players that have stuck around from last year they will remember how it felt to lose in the final, if you can bottle that up and use it in the right way it can be a massive positive to take that next step.

“This side of Christmas is a chance for the boys to get in the gym and get into the shape needed to be able to push hard in the New Year.”

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