Parramatta Eels have signed English centre Ben Crooks from Hull FC. The 21-year-old heads to the NRL on a two year deal and FC have the first option of bringing him back to the club should he wish to return to the Northern Hemisphere.

The Yorkshire-born man, who is the son of former Great Britain prop, Lee, first burst on to the scene in 2013. After making his first team debut in a 56-12 defeat at the hands of Wigan, his game went from strength to strength, establishing a devastating partnership with fellow academy graduate, Tom Lineham, on the left edge.

The form he showed saw him included in last season’s Dream Team, while he picked up the award for Super League’s Young Player of the Year.

However, he has suffered with injuries and a loss of form this year, leaving him to play just 12 times for Hull through the current campaign, while he has spent time on loan at Championship outfit, Doncaster.

A statement released on the Hull FC website said, “The club feel the circumstances are right for Ben to pursue this significant lifestyle and career move in a new country, particularly following recent recruitment activity.

“He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”