Matt Bailey has had his Testimonial confirmed by the RFL.
‘Bails’ has been a staple of rugby league in the town, and the Keighley Cougars since first joining the club in the winter of 2012. A hometown boy, Matt joined the club from the Bradford Bulls ahead of the 2013 season finally making his debut later in the campaign against the Dewsbury Rams after sustaining a broken leg in a pre-season friendly.
Bails made his way into the side and became a regular during the 2015 season, after a loan spell with the Hemel Stags in order to return to match fitness.
The prop forward would become an integral part of the squad over the next couple of years and his efforts on the field would be rewarded for it. His performances on the back of his breakthrough season would see Matt win back-to-back player of the year awards in 2016 and 2017, and the 2017 players player of the year. Bails would continue to be consistent and reliable during both the troubled 2018 season and the renaissance of the club in 2019.
Bails remained a solid mainstay in the 2021 season, which would see him sign off with his 150th career appearance. The 2022 season proved a memorable one as Keighley went unbeaten to be promoted as champions, Bails surpassed 150 appearances for Keighley in the progress as he contributed to a historic campaign.
Despite spending the 2023 season with the Midland Hurricanes Bails returned home to Keighley Cougars for the 2024 season.
This is why the Rugby Football League, the sport’s governing body are celebrating Matt’s career and loyalty to the club by granting a testimonial year for the forthcoming 12 months
If you would be interested in sponsorship you can contact the testimonail committee on the details listed below.
Daz Lynam – 07816490013
Kylie Howard – 07415489800
Matt has also launched his testimonial website at https://www.mattbaileytestimonial.co.uk/
