Widnes v Hull KR: Cockayne hoping to do enough to figure at Wembley

BEN COCKAYNE could go on to play 10 seasons for Hull KR after agreeing a new deal with the Robins – but knows he is still not guaranteed a Wembley place.
Ben Cockayne.Ben Cockayne.
Ben Cockayne.

The East Yorkshire club yesterday announced the full-back/winger, out of contract at the end of this campaign, had signed on again for 2016 and has the option for a further year, too.

Cockayne has made 180 appearances and scored 68 tries in his two spells with Rovers having rejoined last season after a spell with hometown Wakefield Trinity.

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He has had to fight hard for his spot this year, however, with new signings Josh Mantellato and Ken Sio proving prolific on the wings and another fresh recruit, Kieran Dixon, constantly battling him for the full-back jersey.

Cockayne, 32, would love to represent Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos next Saturday as the club seeks to repeat its sole previous success of 1980.

He and Dixon are both included in the 19-man squad for tomorrow’s Qualifiers game at Widnes, but only one is likely to be selected against Leeds.

Cockayne admitted: “If I could walk out at Wembley next week with this club after everything we’ve been through together that would be fantastic.

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“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, what I can contribute and, hopefully, if I get the second year of this deal that will be my 10th with KR – a proud achievement.”

Cockayne is one of their longest-serving players having initially joined in 2006 as a key member of the side which gained promotion to Super League.

He had some disciplinary problems later, though, and left in 2011 but worked his way into the England elite squad during his two years with Wakefield and has thrived again on his return.

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Graeme Horne, Kevin Larroyer, Shaun Lunt, Tyrone McCarthy, Tony Puletua and Adam Walker are rested at Widnes but John Boudebza, Dane Tilse, Jordan Cox and Aaron Ollett all return with young half-back Matty Marsh.

Under-19s loose forward George Lawler is set to debut.