BEN Crooks won't be a part of the Hull FC squad next season after being granted permission to try his hand in Australia, the Mail understands.

The 21-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract at Hull, could still have a long-term future at the KC Stadium, however.

Crooks, who didn't feature for Hull in the final three months of the campaign, is eager for a fresh start having found life difficult at FC this year and has always harboured a desire to play in Australia.

With Hull coach Lee Radford opting for a change in the structure of his outside backs, with an emphasis on size and speed following the arrival of Setaimata Sa this year and the signing of Australian Steve Michaels for 2015, Crooks' departure suits both parties.

Selected for Super League's Dream Team in 2013 after scoring 19 tries in 18 appearances, Crooks made just 12 starts this season, with one appearance off the bench.

With a regular place hard to come by, Crooks last played in the defeat at Catalan Dragons in June and was sent to Doncaster on a dual-registration deal.

Instructed by Radford to 'bulk up,' Crooks has been the subject of much speculation.

Speaking after sending the centre to Doncaster, Radford said: "Physically, Ben knows where he is at. We've put him on a physical programme to try and improve that and help his game no end."

Having signed Sa mid-way through this season, and with Michaels recruited for next year and Curtis Naughton expected to be confirmed imminently, Crooks' position in the Hull pecking order has fallen.

The impressive form of teenage centre Jack Logan in the final two games of the season and with Kirk Yeaman still under contract, Radford has an abundance of options for next year.

Eager to not see his career stagnate, Crooks has set his sights on a switch to Australia where his father Lee was a big hit in the 1980s.

The Mail understands Crooks will sign for Parramatta and join up with ex-Hull coach Peter Gentle, now an assistant at the Eels, but crucially Hull will hold on to his registration should he return to Super League.

If Crooks comes back to England but doesn't wish to stay at the Black and Whites, Hull will demand a fee for a player they have nurtured through the age grades.

Crooks is understood to be excited about the challenge of trying to impress overseas and eventually make the breakthrough into the NRL, hoping his long-term future lies in Australia.



Read more: http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-FC-winger-Ben-Crooks-heads-NRL-Parramatta/story-22944890-detail/story.html

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  • Well, we are in need of a winger.

  • Its hard not to be pumped up for this one.

    • Another back signing, am I the only one who thinks at least 1 big decent prop needs to be signed as a priority? All our spare cap seems to be going to ho hum backs that spend more time at hospitals than the field or past their best second rower! WTF is going on?????

  • We may finally have someone in the team that can understand Mumbles Mossop.

  • Have we got a Cap. Dont get me wrong i hope we get him

  • Does anyone know if he can play???  Or just another Nuffie???

    • With a surname like Crooks I`d be betting he's a nuffie.

  • So reading the article, the coach got rid of him because he wanted more size and speed in his squad. Yes that's what we are looking for - slow weak white kids as future wingers.,
    • The DA factor in full force Fathead........

  • From Rugby League Week

    CROOKS

    EELS POISED TO SIGN GUN SON OF EX-ENGLAND STAR

    Eels

    PARRAMATTA are reportedly closing in on boom English centre Ben Crooks – son of former Balmain forward Lee.

    The 21-year-old has been granted permission to try his hand in the NRL after falling out of favour at Hull FC.

    The Eels are firming as favourites for his signature, after Crooks was recommended by ex-Hull coach Peter Gentle, now an assistant to Brad Arthur.

    FC will retain his registration should he return to Super League, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

    Crooks was a sensation last season but has struggled this year, and with Hull recruiting ex-Rooster Setaimata Sa from rugby union and Titans centre Steve Michaels for 2015, his chances would be limited.

    Crooks’ dad Lee was a goal-kicking forward who had spells with Western Suburbs and Balmain in the mid-80s.

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