Career
Cooksley holds the distinction of being the tallest All Black ever at an imposing 2.05 metres and 125 kg. He had a long All Black career, spanning from 1992 until 2001. Despite this, Cooksley only played in 23 All Black matches, and only 11 All Black tests.Robin Brooke and Ian Jones were often the favoured locking pair during his time because of the average but better skill level
In 1995, Cooksley gained another distinction when he was a replacement on the end of year tour of France.
In his one appearance on tour he became the first All Black to be shown a yellow card, with Irish referee Gordon Black apparently unaware that the red and yellow card system did not then apply to international rugby. He now resides as a Cowboy in Hamilton
As a decedent of Ngāpuhi saw him regularly play for New Zealand Māori from 1992 onwards.
