Keighley Cougars can today announce that Ben Stead, has announced his retirement from professional Rugby League, marking the end of a notable career. 

Known for his versatility on the field, Stead has been a prominent fixture in the local rugby league community. 

Throughout his career, he played key roles for several clubs and was known for his strategic playmaking and resilience.

Ben said “I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional rugby league. Although this has been a tough decision, it is definitely the right time for me to call it a day and it only seemed fitting to do this at Keighley Cougars. 

I was a Cougar fan long before I was a player and it was always my dream to play for Keighley, which I am always grateful for achieving through the cougar cubs and scholarship pathway. I have also gained fond memories with playing for some fantastic League One clubs including Hemel Stags, Gloucester All Golds, North Wales Crusaders and Midland Hurricanes, over the past decade or so. 

I owe a big thank you to the Club and the Cougar fans who have always been very supportive over the years I have represented Keighley Cougars.

The biggest thank you undoubtedly goes to my family who have always provided me with the opportunities and support to be able to play the sport I love for so many years.

I’d like to wish the boys all the best for the rest of the season and hope they can achieve what was set out at the start of the season… to gain promotion back to the Championship.”

Keighley Cougars would like to go on record and thank Ben for his dedication to the club over the years and wish him all the best in his retirement.