NRL outift Parramatta Eels have confirmed the signing of Hull FC star Ben Crooks, last year’s Super League Young Player of the Year, on a two-year contract.
The move will re-unite Crooks with former Hull coach Peter Gentle, who is now an assistant to Eels coach Brad Arthur.
“Ben is a talented footballer who is excited about a chance to make it in the NRL,” said Arthur.
“He will add great depth to our outside backs, which means there will be even more competition for a spot in our side, and that’s a great thing to have.”
Crooks has not made the progress he expected in 2014.
He was voted into the Super League Dream Team in 2013, but this season has turned out several times for Doncaster in a dual-registration deal. He is hoping the move to Australia will revive his career.
Crooks said: “The next two years are a vital stage of my development, and the NRL has always been a goal of mine.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Hull will retain Crooks’ Super League registration in case he returns to England.
