Rovers beaming after Cooke capture

The 26-year-old stand-off completed his controversial cross-city move from Hull FC on Friday after the Rugby Football League accepted his registration for Rovers, however, Hull continue to insist that they never accepted Cooke's resignation and they intend to sue for breach of contract.

They have made allegations of misconduct against the player and Rovers and the RFL have asked disciplinary commissioner Norman Sarsfield to investigate these claims, but Hudgell said: "As far as I am concerned I am confident of our position, confident that we've done nothing wrong and I'm sure that we'll be exonerated in due course."

He added: "We are somewhat restricted by the ongoing legal situation in detailing the circumstances in which Paul's signing has come about, however at this stage the club would wish to emphasise that at no time has any illegal approach been made for the player nor has the club acted in anything other than an above board and professional manner.

"The club have made no payment for Paul's services to Hull FC and will vigorously contest any claim in that regard. Equally all appropriate safeguards will be taken to protect the integrity of the club against any unfounded allegations which have formed the basis of much press and media speculation over the course of this week."

There had been suggestions the matter could go to a tribunal but the RFL's finding in favour of Rovers has eliminated any requirement for a transfer fee to be paid.

Hudgell added: "We've always been confident as to our grounds but we were never certain that we'd reach a conclusion as quickly as this. I don't think we ever had any doubts as to the legality of our position. We always understood that we were talking to a contract-expired player. We are confident we've done nothing wrong."

The matter is far from at an end, though, with Hull quickly responding to the RFL's decision by releasing a statement outlining their position.

It read: "Hull FC believe that the RFL have taken the resignation out of context as it is clear from the total content of all communications with Mr Cooke, Hull KR and the RFL that the club and their lawyers were objecting to the transfer of his registration and therefore not releasing him from his obligations to Hull FC.

"We do note that the RFL has confirmed our serious concerns about the manner of Paul Cooke's transfer to Hull KR and has referred it to the RFL compliance commissioner. We welcome the opportunity to meet the compliance commissioner. However, pending the outcome of that referral, we fully intend to pursue legal redress in court for breach of contract by Mr Cooke and claims against any other party which has assisted him in his actions."