Championship

Former Hull KR & Wakefield Trinity back departs current club

by
Cam Pattison
November 11, 2022

York have confirmed that former Wakefield Trinity and Huddersfield Giants man Danny Kirmond has signed a deal to remain at the club in 2023 as well as taking on the role of assistant coach in a player-coach role.

This has seen Ben Cockayne leave the club.

The winger / fullback Cockayne made his name in brilliant stints with Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR in Super League.

He has had two stints at York but now leaves the club after filling the role of assistant coach.

The club said: “With confirmation of Danny Kirmond’s new role as player/Assistant Coach ahead of the 2023 campaign, we can also announce that Ben Cockayne has departed his role as Assistant Coach. Thank you for your efforts across your two spells with the Knights, Ben!”

On replacing Cockayne in a coaching role, his former teammate Kirmond said: “In terms of the coaching and playing role, I think this first year it will be pretty fluid in terms of how we develop into the role. I’ll probably say that, for now, my first thoughts will be as a player and I think that at my stage of career, you’ve got to want to play in every game that you can. There’s not a lot of time left to keep playing so, first of all, I want to get out on the field.

“That being said, coaching is something that really excites me. I’ve really enjoyed being with some of the young kids during my time here. I did quite a bit of work with Toby (Warren) in terms of his video review and, speaking to Hendo, he’s really keen to develop me as a coach as well. That’s something I’m really excited about.

“I think my coaching role will depend on how involved in the team I am as a player. At the same time, I will be taking individual bits of sessions and helping Hendo with the review process as well as helping analyse opponents and how we’ve gone as a team.

“It’s going to be a real learning curve for me as it’s something I’ve not really done a lot of before. I’ve been involved with reserves (at Wakefield Trinity) but it’s something that’s quite new. I’m coming into it pretty green but I feel that I’ve got a really good mentor in Hendo who will work with me on that and develop me into that role.

“The Club is somewhere I can see myself adding something behind the scenes in terms of coaching into the future so it’s an addition I’m really excited about moving forward.”