Hull KR and suspended Ben Cockayne part company

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Ben Cockayne
Image caption,

Cockayne's agent said it was felt "a clean break" was best

Hull KR and utility player Ben Cockayne have parted company "by mutual consent", the club have announced.

Cockayne and club-mate Liam Watts were suspended by Hull KR last month.

The move came after a police chase that ended when a car crashed into a wall, though his agent said no police action was being taken against Cockayne.

Cockayne, 27, had been given a final warning, external by the club for an alleged racist comment on Facebook and becomes a free agent with immediate effect.

Hull KR chief executive Mike Smith said: "We would like to thank Ben for his contribution to the club over the last five years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

Cockayne's agent David Howes added: "It must be stressed that the police are not taking any action against Ben with regard to the car chase as he was the passenger.

"The police previously decided that the well-documented Facebook episode also required no action.

"However, having received a final warning and because of the negativity surrounding this latest incident, it is felt that Ben and the club will both benefit from a clean break.

"The Super League signing deadline passed last Friday, so Ben may seek a Championship contract for the rest of this season to maintain his fitness while talking to Super League clubs for the 2012 campaign onwards."

In 2009, Cockayne received a 12-month suspended sentence, external for assault causing actual bodily harm and Rovers suspended him for two months., external

Cockayne joined the club from Doncaster in 2006.

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