Former Hull KR ace retires again after replacing new Rovers assistant Brett Delaney in coaching role

Hull KR great Ben Cockayne has retired and returned to York City Knights as the club's new assistant coach, replacing Brett Delaney, who is now at the Robins. After joining from Doncaster Lakers ahead of the 2006 season, Cockayne played in 231 games, kicking 21 goals and scoring 78 tries for a total of 354 points in his two spells at Craven Park.

After leaving Rovers at the end of 2017, he ended his playing career at the Knights, where he made 35 appearances in 2018/19, before returning to Craven Park as under-16s head coach. However, following his departure from the club midway through 2021 he returned to the field with Doncaster to aid their ambitions in League 1.

The former KR ace will always be remembered for his passion, hard work and love for the Red and White, which carried over when he headed to North Yorkshire. Cockayne was delighted to be joining his former side in a coaching role.

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"To be honest, it was an opportunity that came out of the blue a little bit," said Cockayne. "I obviously knew there was a vacancy after Brett Delaney left, but I didn't expect to get the call I did. I'm absolutely delighted to be coming back. I basically made my decision when I was on the phone with Fordy (James Ford).

"I think having the experience as a coach is good, but coaching adults will be different than coaching kids. It's a new challenge for me and one I'm relishing. I've dipped my toe in the water in terms of planning and preparation so that side of things won't be new. But, it's going to be a different experience, dealing with a new group of people and some that I've played with."

Cockayne will be reunited with several former Robins at the York