JOSH Lynam has revealed it was a “no-brainer” to stay loyal to Cougars and become a key part of new boss Craig Lingard's plans.

The homegrown second-rower from Ingrow was out of contract at the end of the 2016 campaign but is among a raft of players to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

Lynam, who has emerged as one of the best forwards outside of Super League since making his debut at Batley in 2013, has attracted interest from higher-placed clubs such as Halifax and Bradford.

But the 23-year-old was keen to remain loyal to his home-town club as they embark on a new chapter under Lingard.

Lynam, who combines his rugby commitments with his job as a joiner, said: “I spoke to Craig last week and he seems to have a lot of good ideas.

“Therefore it was a no-brainer for me to sign, especially with it being my home-town club.

“I've not actually had many people get in touch with me since I came back from Australia.

“But I know that if I was to get an agent and started looking elsewhere, there would be a good possibility I could maybe get snapped up by a team in the Championship.

“I love Keighley Cougars, though, because they kickstarted my career in the game.

“I can run to Cougar Park from my house in ten minutes.

“I feel as if I owe it to them to get this club back up into the Championship. That's where we need to be.”

Although the likes of Ash Lindsay, Paul White and Paul Handforth retired at the end of the season just ended, plenty of other regulars have committed to Cougars on new deals.

There have been several new signings including Ben Sagar, Davey Dixon, Nathan Kitson and Sean Hesketh.

Lynam added: “The nucleus of a strong squad was already there.

“Although we’ve had a few players leave in Whitey, Tiger and Ash, I still think we can push for promotion with the players we are bringing in – if not next season then the one after.

“I’m looking forward to starting pre-season training in the middle of next month.

“We are going to be training for three nights a week every week, so it should be good.

“Marchy (Paul March) had a tough season last year and some of the fans weren't happy with some of the performances.

“Obviously he's gone now and a new a coach has come in, so it's a fresh start and a clean slate.

“I'm pleased with the lads we are signing. Ben Sagar, for example, was a solid player for us when we were in the Championship.

“For him to come back in League One is a great asset for our team.

“I've played against Kitson when he was at Oxford and he was really their only stand-out player.

“To put him in a better team should improve him further and gives us another attacking threat around the ruck as opposed to just having Buster there.

“I’m come right through the ranks here, from the Cougar Cubs and through the scholarship, reserves and now the first-team. I’m looking forward to getting us back where we need to be.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Nicholson has departed to join League One rivals Oxford RL.

Nicholson, the Reserves team Player of the Year in 2015, made his only senior appearance for the club against Wales in the Danny Jones Memorial Match last year.

With first-team opportunities limited, Nicholson moved on loan to Oxford in May and became a regular with the Blue Army, winning their August Player of the Month title, and has now opted to remain with Tim Rumford’s side on a permanent basis.