Cooke set for Rovers return after admitting 'unprofessional' behaviour

The 27-year-old has sat out Rovers' last two Super League matches amid allegations over his off-field behaviour.

But after admitting that his conduct had been 'unprofessional', Cooke could make his return in this Sunday's game against Harlequins.

Paul Cooke could return for Hull Kingston Rovers

The decision to bring Cooke back into the fold follows discussions today between the player, head coach Justin Morgan and chairman Neil Hudgell.  

"Regarding events of the past few weeks and following full and frank discussions with the club, I accept that my off-field behaviour has been unprofessional and have apologised to those concerned for that," the former England international said in a statement.  

'I would also like to extend that apology to the supporters who have been tremendous since my arrival at the club.  

'I firmly believe we can gain a top-six place in Super League and look forward to helping achieve that.'  

Morgan hinted last Friday that Cooke, who has more than two years left to run on his Rovers contract, could still have a future at Craven Park if he dealt with personal problems.  

Morgan said : 'The meeting was very positive and Paul particularly impressed me by showing a strong and genuine determination to make up for lost time and to get back to recapturing his best form.  

'Whilst we will monitor the situation carefully, I expect Paul to play an important part for us between now and the end of the season and for the remainder of his contract.'

An in-form Cooke could be a major boost for Morgan with four games of the regular season left to play, and three points to make up on sixth-placed Bradford if Rovers want to clinch a spot in the play-offs.  

The most recent controversy, which the club insist is now closed, is the latest of several in which the Hull-born player has been embroiled. 

Most famously, Cooke was banned by the RFL for the first six games of this season after being found guilty of approaching Hull KR illegally before resigning as a player at Hull FC in April 2007.  

He was recently banned from driving for 16 months after being found twice over the legal limit for alcohol, following on from previous convictions for assault and dangerous driving.