NEWS | Ben Cockayne departs to take up coaching role at York

The Dons can confirm that Ben Cockayne will depart the club with immediate effect to take up the role of assistant coach at Betfred Championship side York City Knights.

The 38-year-old will replace Brett Delaney in the role after he joined former Leeds Rhinos teammate Danny Maguire at Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers.

Having started his professional career with the Dons in 2005, Cockayne returned with the club going through something of a difficult spell in 2021.

He played a pivotal role in helping the Dons reach the League One play-off final, where they were eventually beaten by Workington Town.

In total, he played 40 times for the Dons across two spells, scoring 19 tries in the process.

Cockayne said: “I got a phonecall at the beginning of last week asking if I’d be interested in the role and it came completely out of the blue for me.

“James Ford explained I was top of his list and at first I had a long think about it because I was really enjoying myself with the Dons.

“I had to think that I’m 39 this coming week, I’m not going to play forever and this new role provides me with long-term security in a role that excites me.

“I’ve got nothing but gratitude and appreciation for Doncaster giving me the opportunity to put my boots back on, when I retired the first time it was through injury so to come back here was brilliant.

“It was a tough decision and ultimately I have to do what is right for myself and my career, but I’m very grateful to Carl Hall, Richard Horne and Chris Plume for the chance they gave me.

“Richard and Carl when I spoke to them were really supportive and I can’t be thankful enough because they could have stood in my way but they agreed to let me go with their blessing.

“It would be great to be at York next year and be coming up against the Dons in the Championship, there is no reason why this squad can’t go and achieve that. I hope the boys can crack on and get the job done because I know everything is in place to push the club on even further once they get promoted.”

Chief executive Carl Hall said: “Ben has been the ultimate professional since returning to the Dons midway through last season, and was a key part in us reaching the play-off final.

“He approached myself and explained the situation and I have nothing but respect for the way he went about it, as a club we pride ourselves on doing things the right way and by allowing him to pursue his coaching career with York I feel we have done just that.

“The win at Oldham was a fitting tribute to Ben and we wish him all the best for his new venture, he has been top class from the moment he stepped through the door.”