Super League: Hull FC centre Ben Crooks sent out to Doncaster in a bid to improve physique

Hull FC coach Lee Radford has revealed Ben Crooks has been placed on a physical training programme in a bid to regain his place at the KC Stadium.

Crooks has been at the centre of much speculation since being omitted by Radford, with the 20-year-old not featuring since the 20-16 defeat at Catalan Dragons in June.

Crooks, who was named in the Super League Dream Team last term after an impressive breakthrough season, has now been sent to play with dual-registration side Doncaster in the Championship.

Club owner Adam Pearson last week dismiss suggestions the centre had been sacked and his pathway back into the first team has now been made clear.

Physically, Ben knows where he is at. We've put him on a physical programme to try and improve that and help his game no end.

"Ben is playing at Doncaster, but he has still got a chance," Radford told the Hull Daily Mail.

"Physically, Ben knows where he is at. We've put him on a physical programme to try and improve that and help his game no end.

“There are plenty of people who have gone to Doncaster and performed really well this year.

"Being physical at Super League level is probably a harder challenge than the Championship, but we know what we want from him and hopefully we can get that."

After picking up a groin injury in pre-season Crooks has struggled to regain his form and the arrival of former New Zealand international centre Setaimata Sa in from London Irish earlier in the season means he faces even more competition to win his place back.