 On 22 July after being given a franchise for Super League from 2009 to 2011 Salford City Reds coach Shaun McRae said he would be interested in speaking to Cooke with an intention of him joining his side, Cooke and McRae worked together at Hull FC earlier in their careers, though Cooke did not go on to play for the Salford City Reds.On 19 April 2007, BBC Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire) announced that Paul Cooke was to walk out on Hull FC to join cross city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.Cooke was born in East Hull where Hull Kingston Rovers are based and supported the club as a youngster.