HULL FC CONFIRM CROOKS DEPARTURE

Hull FC have confirmed that centre Ben Crooks has left the club to take up a contract with NRL side Parramatta Eels.

The 21-year-old has seen his opportunities limited at the Black and Whites this season and will move to Australia to continue his development.

The club will retain the player's Super League registration, with the exclusive right to re-sign him should he wish to return to the UK.

The club feel the circumstances are right for Ben to pursue this significant lifestyle and career move in a new country, particularly following recent recruitment activity.

He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.

Hull FC recently signed centre Setaimata Sa who has impressed since joining the club, whilst youngster Jack Logan has stepped up from the academy squad, scoring two tries in the final game of the season against Leeds Rhinos.

The club also recently announced the signing of former Gold Coast Titan and Australian Schoolboy Steve Michaels on a one-year deal, whilst potentially two further outside backs could join the Black and Whites before the beginning of pre-season.

The club will make no further comment.

Good luck to him, hope it really benefits him and he returns a better player.

This is sad news.

I had hoped that Crooks would be a mainstay of the team for years to come.

However as things have turned out this season its prov=bably in the best interests of both parties.

I'm not sure what to make now of AP's comments last week that Crooks could still have a future at the club. I'm not sure that retaining his registration is what most people would have understood by that comment.

Great news, will be back a much better player for Hull FC in the future!!!

Interesting...

I doubt very much that he will wear the black and white again. I think the whole crooks scenario has been handled very badly.

In what way?

I will be surprised if he plays for Hull FC again.

Especially on a 2 year contract.

I hope his replacement is not a 34 year old threequarter.

This seems like the best possible outcome from what has been a difficult situation.

Good luck Ben.

Hard to believe you can be young player of the year last season,and surplus to requirements this season. He didnt seem to need to bulk up (as radford put it) last season,so whats changed. Tackling is not the lads strength,but its a technique thing the coaching staff should be helping him with,he has a rare talent,he is a natural try scorer which you cant teach and his talent IMO has been wasted. I would be amazed if he ever played for us again,regardless of us keeping his registration or not.I feel his situation has been handled very poorly.

My thoughts exactly. A very frustrating situation, whats the point in bringing the kids through to let them leave like this(with 2 years left on his contract. His partnership with Lineham should have been with us for years to come.

Its now standard for us, sign 32/33 year old every 2 years.

Its a very sad state of affairs

I do. As long as said 34 year old can tackle, not get caught out in defence, has more weight and doesn't rely on his winger being fit.

Why are people so bothered when we have a wealth of talent in that position? Is it once again the "He's from Hull, he must be of international quality" badge that so many have worn in this insular city?

I want us to win trophies and compete. YOu wont do that hanging onto players who were only ever good at Doncaster.

Won't be a popular post but spot on IMO.