UPDATE: Hull FC have now confirmed the release of Ben Crooks, enabling him to take up a deal with Parramatta Eels.
Reports emerged yesterday that Crooks was rumoured to be heading Down Under and, less than 24 hours later, the club have confirmed that Crooks is not part of Lee Radford’s plans for 2015.
As expected, though, the club will retain his registration in case he decides to make a return to Super League in the future.
“The club feel the circumstances are right for Ben to pursue this significant lifestyle and career move in a new country, particularly following recent recruitment activity,” a club spokesman said.
“He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Hull FC’s Ben Crooks is reportedly heading for Australia, after the Hull Daily Mail reported that the 21-year-old will not be part of their squad next season.
Crooks has endured a tough 2014 at the Black and Whites, spending time out on dual-registration at Doncaster after finding it difficult to break into Lee Radford’s first team this year. Crooks was actually in the Super League Dream Team last year, such was his impressive form, but is now heading for the other side of the world after both parties agreed to part ways.
The back is expected to link up with Parramatta Eels – where former Hull coach Peter Gentle is currently working as assistant coach. It is believed Hull will hold on to his registration documents should he return to England, though – with a fee likely to be demanded if he decides to come back to England with a different club.
Crooks’ father Lee played in Australia himself in the 1980s, appearing for the likes of Balmain Tigers during his stellar Rugby League career.
