Controversial stand-off Paul Cooke is facing an uncertain future after being dropped from the Hull KR side for Sunday's derby with Hull FC.

His absence from Justin Morgan's squad for the 205th meeting between the two clubs adds further fuel to mounting speculation that Rovers are set to release Cooke from his contract, just 15 months since his high-profile cross-city switch to Craven Park.

Following that move, the 27-year-old former England international was found guilty of making an illegal approach to Rovers and missed the first six games of this season as a result. He made his comeback in the Good Friday derby between the rivals.

He has since made 18 successive appearances for his boyhood club, scoring in them all, but has failed to display the form that saw him serve Hull with distinction for nine years.

He has now fallen out of favour with Morgan and with youngster Chaz I'Anson being selected in his place he finds his future shrouded in doubt.

Off the field, Hull-born Cooke was recently handed a third conviction in as many years when he was banned from driving for 16 months after being caught over the legal limit for alcohol.

He was previously found guilty of dangerous driving in April 2006 and was also ordered to serve 100 hours of community service following a city centre brawl in October 2005.

Meanwhile, Hull were unable to hand former Rovers captain James Webster a debut after he failed to gain a British passport in time.

No-one at Hull KR would comment on the reasons for the player's absence from the squad prior to kick-off.

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