With the 2025 season taking shape, here’s a run down of what recruitment looks like for the coming season.

Ireland Under 19’s star Oliver Whitford has penned a one-year deal with the Keighley Cougars.

Jake Webster said “Oli is a full back/winger and has spent time with the Huddersfield Giants Reserves. He’s here to develop as a player and take that next step in his rugby journey. Anyone that plays for their country, at any level, is on the right track.”

Welcome, Brad Holroyd!

Jake Webster said “Brad is just the type of player that will fit in well at Keighley. He has pace, experience and is a good guy. He’s recently spent some time in Australia and now back in England looking to grow with this club. I can’t wait to work with him on the training field.”

Welcome Leo Aliyu! Leo is a young prop from Leeds Rhinos and joins Keighley Cougars on a one-year deal.

Jake Webster said “Leo is a big raw unit with great leg speed. If we can channel that and work with Leo on the technical detail of the game we have a great player on our hands. He stands 6ft tall, 104kg and he’s from a good system over at Leeds Rhinos so will come to us with some naturally great habits.”

Harry Bowes signs a one-year deal with the Cougars. Harry is a hooker and has 28 Super League games under his belt for Wakefield Trinity along with 26 for Featherstone throughout 2024.

Jake Webster said “Harry is just what we were looking for. He gives us some zip at dummy half and is a great defender. He bolsters the spine positions and I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Welcome Valu Tanē Bentley, who joins from Leigh Leopards!

Tanē is a young, hungry back row/middle who adds competition for places in the 2025 squad.

Keighley Cougars are delighted to announce Brad England will continue with the Cougars on a multi-year deal following the conclusion of his loan spell with the club.

Jake Webster said “I’ve been impressed with Brad while he’s been with us. Some of his habits and attributes are very useful on the field and to the group. He’s a very powerful player with great leg speed. His experience is something we need and I will work with Brad this pre-season to make sure he understands his role in the team.”

Keighley Cougars can confirm Izaac Farrell will join the club on a two-year deal.

The 26-year old half back was on loan earlier this season from Sheffield Eagles and impressed during his time with the club scoring two tries in two appearances.

Jake Webster said “Izaac was a great asset for us earlier this season and when I learnt there was a mutual desire to work together again I jumped at the chance to secure his signature on a more permanent basis. He’s with us for a couple of years and adds competition in the halves.”

Thanks go to Alex Bishop, Oscar Thomas, Kyle Kesik, Will Maher, Charlie Graham, Ellis Robson, Mitch Revell and Ben Blackmore who all depart after the conclusion of the 2024 season.