Former Hull KR player Paul Cooke has detailed his thoughts on former Wigan Warriors centre, and more importantly Hull KR bound, Oliver Gildart’s surprise move to Challenge Cup Final opponents Leigh Leopards.
Oliver Gildart had already agreed a move to Craven Park for the 2024 season, however it was announced this week that the former Wigan Warriors centre would join Leigh Leopards on a deal until the end of the season.
Gildart joins the Leopards as injury cover for Ricky Leutele, who will miss the rest of the season through injury.
When asked if Gildart could have his ‘head turned’, Cooke replied: “I don’t think so. I’m not sure because I don’t know him personally but I don’t suppose so.
He added: “Listen if he does have his head turned in that way then I dare say that Neil Hudgell will stick his heels in and want a transfer fee. So I mean it becomes a bit messy doesn’t it if that’s the case but he’s from over that way in the first place, isn’t he?”
“I think he’ll be at Hull KR next, and he’ll be in Hull and he gets to play in the league competition for the next seven or eight weeks.”
Cooke also explained some of the positives on the move, citing how it allows Gildart to settle back in the UK after two seasons in Australia: “I don’t see it being a massive problem, I just think he’ll be back in the country earlier, he’ll be acclimatised, he doesn’t have to come back at the end of the NRL season to acclimatise back to British weather and finding a place to live.”
“He can do some work while he’s over here with Leigh to get a place fixed up in Hull for November and the start of pre-season,” Cooke continued. “He gets to play back in an elite level of Rugby League in terms of the Super League so I don’t suppose it’s as big a deal as what I thought it might be.”
Gildart has spent much of this season plying his trade in the Dolphins reserve side, however his move to Leigh allows him to play top flight Rugby League.
