Long-serving Hull Kingston Rovers winger or full-back Ben Cockayne has signed a new contract extension that could take him through to his tenth season with the club.
The former England Knights international was out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with a further one-year option that could keep him at the KC Lightstream Stadium until the end of 2017.
Cockayne has made 180 appearances and scored 68 tries in his two spells with the Robins and having re-joined Rovers last season after playing for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, he said he’s happy to commit his future to a club that means so much.
“It was an easy decision and it got sorted quickly. The club made me an offer, I said that is good enough for me and we sat round the table and got it done,” the 32-year-old told www.hullkr.co.uk
“From my point of view, I just wanted to keep playing for a club that has been a big part of my life for all kind of reasons. I’m very appreciative for all they’ve done for me and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute for hopefully another couple of years.
“I just love coming to training every day and having a laugh and a joke with the lads before the serious stuff on the field and in the gym. As I’ve matured as I’ve got older, I’ve started to appreciate what I’ve got a bit more and I just want to keep playing for this club for as long as I can.
“If I get the second year of this deal, that will be my tenth year with Hull KR and that would be a proud achievement and if I could walk out at Wembley next week with this club after everything we’ve been through together that would be fantastic.
“Whether I play or not is a decision for Chris (Chester) and the coaching staff and it’s about what’s best for the team. They know what I can do, they know what I can contribute and hopefully I can keep doing that for another couple of years now.”
Cockayne is one of Hull KR’s longest-serving players alongside centre Kris Welham and initially joined the Robins in 2006 as a key member of the side which gained promotion to Super League.
Head coach Chris Chester said: “Benny is one of the most experienced players in the squad and that knowledge and consistency makes him a really important member of the team.
“He has been a consistent performer for us this season and his effort and commitment is never in question. He is somebody who understands what it means to play for this club and we’re pleased to have him on board again next year and beyond.”