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Former Hull FC man Paul Cooke pulls out of club event after fan backlash

Former Hull FC player Paul Cooke has pulled out of a club event after fan backlash with the Featherstone Rovers coach commenting why.

Cooke started his rugby league career with the Black and Whites despite hailing from the East side of the city. He’d go on to play over 200 games for Hull FC before making the infamous cross-city switch to Hull KR, something that was the cause of uproar at the time.

Even now, almost 20 years later it’s still a point of contention and that is evident in the recent response to the announcement that Cooke would take part in a legends parade around the pitch ahead of Saturday’s game against St Helens.

Cooke was part of the 2005 team to win the Challenge Cup and in the 20th anniversary year of that victory, the club have been celebrating and remembering that incredible win.

One such way to celebrate involved a ‘Legends Parade’ with Cooke selected as the man to walk around the pitch before the game kicked off, however, he’s now confirmed that he will not take part.

Paul Cooke pulls out of Hull FC anniversary event

After the news of Cooke’s involvement was announced on the club’s social media, some fan replies questioned the decision with suggestions to ‘boo him’. Other fans were keen to applaud a player who served them well but they now won’t get the chance.

Cooke released a statement explaining he was unaware of the fact he would be walking on the pitch and that to avoid ‘unnecessary stress’ to himself and his family, he’s pulled out of the event.

Posting on X, he said: “Having agreed to go the Hull FC vs Saints game tomorrow, I was only aware of the walk around the pitch yesterday which is my responsibility for not understanding (that) I wasn’t agreeing to attend on the ex-players table for a meal and a laugh.

“Had I known, I wouldn’t have agreed to partake.”

He continued: “I understand some Hull FC fans views have (not) and will never change over the 2007 move, however, I won’t put my children (two of those not born until after 2007) through unnecessary stress.

“I will always make myself available to help the club and its players via events that I can be a part of which help the club, but I draw the line when it affects mine and my children’s health.

“It’s been a tough few years for myself and my children and we’re coming out of the other side. Having discussed this with my better half with her full support, I have informed Lee Crooks I won’t take part.

“I wish nothing but success for the club in tomorrow’s game and beyond.”

Hull FC host St Helens in the first meeting of the sides so far this season on Saturday afternoon with the kick-off slated for 3:00 pm.

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