The Keighley Cougars are thrilled to announce an exciting roster of new signings for League 1 that promise to inject fresh talent and energy into the team for the upcoming season. These acquisitions represent a strategic effort to strengthen the Cougars’ squad and provide a platform to build back into the Championship.

ALEX BISHOP

Keighley Cougars have announced that Alex Bishop has signed a one year deal with the option to add another year for 2025.

Australian half-back Bishop is known to Matt Foster having played a part in beating the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup competition in 2020.

He has played 15 games for Whitehaven over the last two years and is looking to put an injury hit period behind him.

Alex said: “I am excited to join the Cougars for next season with the new challenge of helping get the club back into the Betfred Championship. I am looking forward to working with Matt and I am grateful to be apart of the clubs future plans.”

LEWIS HATTON

Having forged a career with Swinton and Widnes Hatton joins the club with ambitions of Championship Rugby. The hard running 26 year old prop is up for the fight and can’t wait to get started as his new home at Cougar Park.

Lewis said “I am really excited to be joining Keighley. It’s going to bring new challenges and experiences and I am looking forward  to getting stuck into pre-season with the group.”

“We have a job to do collectively this season which is to push for promotion and I am hoping I am able to contribute to that goal.”

“I’d like to thank Matt and Jake for the opportunity and I am looking forward to meeting all of the lads and getting to work.”

Lewis has signed a one year deal with an option for 2025.

Jake Webster, DOR said “Lewis is someone I have been chasing for a few years and I am really pleased to get this one over the line. He is someone that we are really excited to bring to the club along with his wife who fills the role of head physio for 2024.”

CODEY DOWNEY

Young winger Codey Downey joins from Huddersfield Giants reserves. The 6 foot 4 winger gives the coaching staff a different body shape to work with. His power and pace will be an asset to the club going forward.

Jake Webster, DOR said “Codey is a big raw, strong, enthusiastic player and under the guidance of Matt and some of our more senior players, I am really looking forward to watching him to develop.”

Codey has signed a two year deal with the club.