Ben Cockayne pens Wakefield Trinity Wildcats contract

Image caption, Cockayne scored 57 tries for Hull KR during a five-year spell

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed former Hull KR and Featherstone utility back Ben Cockayne on a one-year deal.

The 28-year-old helped Featherstone to the Championship Grand Final triumph, scoring a try in their 40-4 win over Sheffield Eagles earlier this month.

"I'm really looking forward to it. As long as I'm playing each weekend contributing for the team then I'll be happy," Cockayne said.

"Ben is a quality rugby league player," added coach Richard Agar.

"[He will] bring a lot of energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the side.

"His versatility is certainly something that will be beneficial to us as we put the final pieces of the squad together for next year and I'm certain he will be an important part of the team in 2012.

"We're all aware that Ben has had his off-field issues previously and this deal has been structured accordingly, but everyone is firmly focussed on looking to the future and the qualities he will bring to us on the field."

Cockayne made 139 appearances in five years with Hull KR before parting company by mutual consent in July, after a couple of high-profile discipline issues.

"Rich [Agar] has really made a bit of a statement with the players he has signed and the ones the club had already signed," continued Cockayne.

"I think the future is looking good for Wakefield and it's an opportunity for me to come and get back in Super League.

"I've not really spoken to Rich about any particular position yet but, just like at Hull KR, I'll do a job wherever I'm needed."