Cooke turned down a move to Crusaders in the close season

Wakefield have signed Paul Cooke from Hull KR until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old stand-off, who made a controversial move from Hull FC to the Robins in 2007, has been out of favour at Craven Park this season.

"Paul is one of the most gifted players of his generation and we're delighted he has signed," said Wakefield boss John Kear.

Cooke added: "The decision came down to whether to play rugby league or not to play rugby league."

The former Great Britain star will go straight into the Wakefield squad for Sunday's home game against Salford after Hull KR agreed to release him from his contract which would have run until the end of the season.

"I have been a rugby league player since the age of eight and I want to continue to do that," said Cooke.

"Fortunately John has been an admirer and, although the negotiations ran on, we've finally got there and I get to play rugby league again.

"I've spent all my life in Hull and still have many friends from both sides of the city.

"Of course it's a sad time whenever you leave anything on maybe not the right terms but it's a big opportunity to play for a club I've had many a battle with over the years."

After turning down the chance to join Crusaders in the close season, he had been dropped twice by Hull KR coach Justin Morgan this season.

"I'm very much looking forward to playing rugby league," he added.

"The last three weeks have been quite strenuous for me and the people who are close to me because I become quite moody when I'm not playing rugby league.

"It's difficult to keep as fit as you can with not playing rugby and not getting the bumps and bruises but I'm quite aerobically fit and physically fit so hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the weekend."

606: DEBATE I'd expect a coach like John Kear to bring out the best in him again, could be a very good signing for Trinity whotobeA

Kear worked with Cooke at Hull FC, and said the stand-off's play-making skills would be invaluable.

"It's taken a fair bit of getting over the finish line but Paul is now officially a Wakefield player until November 2010 and he will be in the squad for Sunday's game," said Cooke.

"Paul is very versatile because he can play at loose forward, and that's a great option to have.

"I worked with Paul when I was on the coaching staff at Hull FC so we know each other well.

"He's the kind of player who makes other players play well and that's a special quality."

Cooke will now have the option to earn a deal for next season, whether that is at the Wildcats or another Super League club.

"Who knows what the future holds," he said.

"My career has taken many a twist and turn. I'm very much just looking forward to playing rugby and what will be at the end of the day will be."

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