Introduction

If you''re from Hull you''re either black and white or red and white. No ifs, no buts. Judas is the story of Paul Cooke, a gifted rugby league player who enjoyed glory at Hull FC on the west side of the city''s rugby league divide - but caused outrage when he walked out of the club to join bitter rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

Magical on the pitch, Cooke was often in trouble off it. Growing up he loved Hull Kingston Rovers, but joined rivals Hull FC. His career flourished, but in 2007, Cooke walked out over a contract dispute. He made the switch to hated rivals Rovers; and became an instant target for abuse.

His time in East Hull was dogged with more controversy, and while there were good times, he moved on to Wakefield before eventually turning his back on the game, to spend his time with his mother who had been diagnosed with cancer. After she sadly passed away, Cooke returned to rugby a changed man, to finish his playing career and embark on a new path in coaching.

Brutally honest and self-critical, Cooke tells the painful truth in this book, alongside some glorious memories of sporting brilliance. It''s the story of the player called ''Judas'', Hull''s most-hated rugby league son.