By Julian Shea

Gallagher is looking forward to playing alongside Paul Cooke

Tommy Gallagher says Hull KR's signing of stand-off Paul Cooke from city rivals Hull FC can reinvigorate his side's faltering Super League season.

Cooke's high-profile move to the Robins was completed on Friday, a week after rumours of the switch first circulated.

"He's not getting all this hype because he's 'Billy No-one', the club wants him because he's great," said Gallagher.

"He's got an X-factor. He tends to win games and might give us a spark and lift players around him."

After an impressive start to Super League XII following their promotion from National League One, Rovers have lost their way, suffering seven straight defeats.

But the club received a big boost when coach Justin Morgan recently decided to sign a new contract.

Now the arrival of Cooke at Craven Park has given them a further shot in the arm.

Cooke, 26, will make his debut against Huddersfield on Friday, but he will not have to wait long to renew acquaintances with his former club.

Rovers are due to take on Hull FC in the 200th Humberside derby in Cardiff next weekend, as part of Millennium Magic.

"If he does play in that game, the volume will be up ten-fold," said Gallagher. "There will be people coming just to watch him and see what happens with the fans.

Hull FC took the points from the first meeting of the two clubs this season, winning a thrilling game at the KC Stadium 22-14.

And Gallagher expects another fiery encounter when they meet in the Welsh capital.

"It won't be quite such a big deal this time, but we've still got to beat them for local pride as well as the points," said the forward.