HULL KR fans would welcome a return to the club by former fans favourite Ben Cockayne if both parties can agree terms.
As exclusively revealed by the Mail yesterday, the Robins have approached Cockayne's current club Wakefield in a bid to bring him back to MS3 Craven Park for next season.
And despite his troubled past, the majority of Robins fans would love to see him back in a red and white shirt, given his huge commitment on the field.
Rob Chadwick, commentator for HullKR.TV and the moderator on the Robins' Internet fans forum, said Rovers would be getting a more mature player than the one which left under a cloud two years ago.
"There was a lot of furore when he left the club, but enough time has lapsed since then and he has ironed out his issues," said Chadwick.
"He went to Featherstone and Wakefield and showed just how good a player he still is.
"Whenever we had events with the players, Ben would always be the last to leave, making sure everyone got their photo or autograph."
Cockayne, who can play anywhere in the back division as well as hooker, is believed to be holding talks with the Wildcats after becoming aware of the Robins interest.
Since leaving Rovers in July 2011 following an alleged police chase in Castleford, Cockayne has been one of Wakefield's most consistent performers and earned a call-up to Steve McNamara's England set-up earlier this season. Former Rovers chairman Colin McNicol has also given his backing to Cockayne's possible return.
McNicol, who along with his wife Lesley, sponsored Cockayne when he went to Featherstone after being released by KR, says it's time to leave the past behind.
"Ben won't be dwelling on his past," McNicol said.
"He has moved on from that and grown up to be an older and wiser player.
"The fans loved him during his time at Rovers and he still wears his red and white gum-shield.
"Rovers fans would love to see him back playing as whole-hearted as he did the first time."
Mark Broadbent, vice chairman of Rovers' community trust and a player sponsor, hopes Cockayne has learned his lesson and would welcome his spontaneity back in the side.
"Ben is a very dynamic player whose unpredictability becomes an asset," Broadbent said.
"He is Rovers through and through and when he plays for a club he gives 100 per cent. Hopefully he has learned his lessons as he is now two years older than when he left us.
"Wakefield rate him very highly and it's no surprise because he is a class player."
Adge Cutler, former chairman of Rovers Supporters Group, said he would love to see Cockayne scoring tries for the Robins rather than against them, as he has done on a regular basis for the Wildcats.
"Ben has done very well at Wakefield and it's clear to see he has matured into a better player and a better individual too," Cutler said.
"He has never lost his love of Hull Kingston Rovers and the supporters. I would have no problem with a return to Rovers for him as he has that passion for rugby for the game that should be encouraged."
Whilst most fans appear in support of a return for Cockayne, some have expressed concern.
Fan Richard Gotts said: "I must admit to mixed feelings. Ben could be a real asset but the fact he let the club he supposedly loves down so badly at times raises question marks over the success of any return."
Have you seen our new sport section?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk/sport for the very best and exclusive local content.
