from the Doncaster website

Doncaster RLFC are thrilled to announce the signing of 2005 Challenge Cup winner Paul Cooke.

The 30 year-old half back has joined the Dons playing squad and will also be working part-time within the club's successful community development team.

Head coach Tony Miller said: "We set our stall out to sign Paul over a month ago and we've finally achieved our objective.

"Paul is a top class player and his record speaks for itself - you don't win the Challenge Cup and play 300 Super League games by accident.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have him at the club and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"I'm sure he's going to be a revelation for us and his experience and presence will prove to be beneficial to the young players we have at the club.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank-you to the fans and supporters who have paid in to our ‘Squadbuilder' fund - we couldn't have done it without you."

The former Hull FC, Hull KR and Wakefield star said: "I'd like to thank John (Scarrow), Carl, Tony and the club's fans and supporters for bringing me back into the game.

"The decision to join the Dons was made easy by Carl and Tony who sold the club to me really well and everything fell into place with the community development side of things.

"I've spent a long time earning a good living from Rugby League and I now want to put something back into the game.

"On the playing side I'm really looking forward to getting back on the field again and it's the first time I've got some excitement back after my mum's illness.

"I'm hoping I can help the club make progress and get them where they need to be. It's a good feeling to be back in Rugby League."

Dons chief executive Carl Hall commented: "This is fantastic news for the club and the town of Doncaster - I feel Paul's signing is a statement of our intentions for the forthcoming season.

"I can't thank our fans and supporters enough - we've asked them for their help and they've delivered through our Squadbuilder fund.

"This is going to be a pivotal year for the Dons and there's a tremendous buzz around the club - we can't wait for the new season to start."

Thank-you for your continued support.

Can they afford him long term? Is this going to plunge them into debt again just for that sake of getting promotion?

Interesting one this.

Suppose it depends on how long the fans are willing to keep pumping money into this squad builder fund. Which will ultimately be decided by success I suppose.

Crowds don't necessarily increase with success. Ours didn't.

No they donot , but you have to try !

With regard money , it is hoped the Squadbuilder fund will be grow .

Thanks for your concern , a Dons fan.

Arent you concerned that if Paul Cooke say, doesnt get match fit quick enough or gets injured then the squadbuilder support might drop?