Leave my family out of crossfire, says Cooke

"It was actually Good Friday — derby day," he says. "The old Boulevard Stadium was being rebuilt and there were lots of rocks and the fans began throwing them at

each other. They renamed it

Bloody Friday."

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More than a quarter of a century later, a week after he turned 26, Cooke inflamed the city's tribal passions once again by quitting Hull FC and defecting to Hull Kingston Rovers, the club he had supported since childhood.

It was either an act of commendable bravery or reckless daring.

"It's a matter of life or death for some people," admits Cooke. "It splits families and work colleagues.

"It's difficult for players in Hull to get on with life. Just doing the day-to-day things can be a burden at times. People don't appreciate how difficult it is for the players and their families."

For all the flak he expected, Cooke did not think his family would become targets. Vilify him perhaps but surely they would stop short of involving his girlfriend and their young daughter.

"People tried finding out where my little girl goes to school. She's six. I think that's completely wrong.

"I'd do anything for her. For people to try to get to her and abuse other people who had nothing to do with my decision is bang out of order. There are times when you think: 'What am I doing here?'. It's difficult when you walk down the street and your missus gets abuse.

"It's terribly difficult not to get involved. But I've had my fair share of off-the-field controversy, and if I so much as spit in the wrong direction in this town I could end up in some serious trouble."

Cooke is referring to a nightclub brawl in December 2005, for which he was fined and ordered to do community service.

"It's difficult to stand by and watch a member of your family in trouble," he says. "These things happen in town every single weekend but nothing happens because nobody knows who it is. Unfortunately I'm a bit daft, 6ft 5in and play for one of the rugby teams.

"I've generally stopped going into the town centre but somebody always wants to have a go at 11 o'clock when they're a bit brave and had one too many. I just have to walk away."

Nobody thought Cooke would walk away from Hull FC after a decade in the black-and-white jersey since joining the club's youth academy. The clubs argued for a week but Hull eventually allowed the stand-off to join Rovers, although legal action may follow once the RFL compliance officer has completed his investigation.

"I'd given up hope on the Friday night and almost cracked open a bottle of beer and put my feet up to watch the Hull KR v Huddersfield game on TV when I got the phone call," says Cooke. "It was quite unreal. I walked into the changing room, shook a few hands and got ready to play."

Cooke says that most of the Hull players understand his reasons for switching. "What you get from people who do this for a living is a bit of compassion about decisions you have to make for yourself and your family. That's the difference between the fan and the player. The people who ask how I could wear the black-and-white shirt with pride when I'm a Hull KR fan are absolute lunatics.

"I gave my heart and soul to Hull FC for 10 years. Being a Rovers fan never got in the way of me doing a job for Hull FC or doing my best in the derby against Rovers early on this season."

Cooke helped Hull win that game and played for Rovers when they avenged the defeat.

Tomorrow he plays for his new club at Craven Park, fearing that the controversy surrounding his move may never go away.

"I don't think it will ever die down," he says. "But I'm sure the people closest to me are very proud of my decision and the way I've conducted myself. Any stick they get now, they're still proud of their brother, their son or their boyfriend.

"For 10 people who say I'm a Judas, there's one nice comment that makes you think life isn't so bad. I had a great time at Hull and no one can take those memories away from me.

"Worse things happen than Paul Cooke moving from Hull FC to Hull KR.

"Nobody's died. I've moved clubs, so let's get on with it."

YOUR WEEKEND GUIDE TO THE ENGAGE SUPER LEAGUE

HARLEQUINS v CATALANS

(Today: Stoop, 6.05pm)

Harlequins hope to complete a hat-trick over the French club this season and stay in the top six. But they have a depleted squad whereas their opponents will probably be unchanged after edging out Warrington last week.

Prediction: Home win

HUDDERSFIELD v WARRINGTON

(Tomorrow: Galpharm, 3pm)

Huddersfield winger Martin Aspinwall, who has signed a three-year deal, returns after injury along with Eorl Crabtree. Warrington have doubts over Stuart Reardon and Paul Johnson, Kevin Penny and Mark Gleeson.

Prediction: Home win

HULL KR v HULL

(Tomorrow: Craven Pk, 12.30pm)

Rovers hooker Ben Fisher returns for the 201st Hull derby after injury and they may give a debut to new signing Rhys Lovegrove. Hull half-back Mathew Head, also signed from St George, is in line for his debut.

Prediction: Home win