Ben Cockayne returns to Hull KR

Former full-back Ben Cockayne will return to Hull KR in 2020 to become the club’s new Under 16s coach.

Cockayne, 36, recently hung up his boots after ending his career at Championship side York.

He said: “It’s like it was meant to be. I saw the advert on social media just around the same time I’d made my decision to retire from the game.

“To have the opportunity to come back to a place that I’m very familiar with and very passionate about is amazing. Hull KR is ingrained into me – to have the chance to give something back, on a different level, really excites me.

“I never really thought throughout my career I could see myself as a coach. I knew I would add some value to pass on, but never figured out how I would do it until now. I wanted people to learn from my mistakes, and be a mentor, and when I saw that this was an under-16s role, what better place to start from than with these youngsters?

“I’m excited at what I’ll be able to pass on in terms of advice.

“I’ve got an opportunity to instil some of my love and passion for the game here into youngsters.”

Cockayne made his name in two spells at Hull KR, making more than 200 appearances, and also had stints at Featherstone, Wakefield and Doncaster.