Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have completed the signing of Paul Cooke on a deal running until the end of the season, following his release by Hull KR.
The 28-year-old has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Craven Park and has been allowed to move on.
Cooke said after sealing his switch: "The decision came down to whether to play rugby league or not to play rugby league.
"I have been a rugby league player since the age of eight and I want to continue to do that.
"Fortunately John Kear has been an admirer and, although the negotiations ran on, we've finally got there and I get to play rugby league again.
"Of course it's a sad time whenever you leave anything on maybe not the right terms, but it's a big opportunity to play for a club I've had many a battle with over the years.
"I'm very much looking forward to playing rugby league. The last three weeks have been quite strenuous for me and the people who are close to me, because I become quite moody when I'm not playing rugby league.
"It's difficult to keep as fit as you can with not playing rugby and not getting the bumps and bruises, but I'm quite aerobically fit and physically fit so hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the weekend."