Ben Crooks over the moon to extend stay at Hull KR

Ben Crooks has signed a new one-year contract extension to stay at Hull KR for the 2022 season.

Crooks, 28, has scored 10 tries for Tony Smith’s side this season, including the fastest try scored in Super League history.

He said: “I’m over the moon. I made it clear from the outset that I wanted to stay at this club. I’ve found a real home here.

“I can see what the club’s building and achieving. With the way we have gone this year and the way we can see ourselves going towards the end of the year and onwards onto next season – I want to be a part of that.”

Son of Hull FC legend Lee, Ben started his career with the Airlie Birds, scoring 184 points in 51 appearances.

That earned him a move to Australia with Parramatta Eels, though he never made an appearance in the NRL, instead playing regularly for reserve-grade side Wentworthville Magpies.

He returned to Super League in 2016 with Castleford, before moving on to Leigh and then joining Hull KR in 2018, initially on loan, and making the move permanent for the 2019 season.

In round three of the 2021 season, he set the record for the fastest try in Super League history, scoring inside seven seconds in Hull KR’s 25-24 win over Huddersfield.

Coach Tony Smith added: “I really enjoy working with Ben, he’s a wholehearted player. Every time he enters the field, he gives it his all.

“He’s always trying to improve and he’s also very versatile. One of the appeals about Ben is he can play centre, wing and fullback so he covers a lot of positions for us. He’s always willing and happy to put his hand up wherever he’s needed so that’s a great asset for us.”

Crooks averages a try every other game in Super League since making his debut back in April 2012.