Keighley Cougars have pulled off a major coup after snapping up Dave Halley from neighbours Bradford Bulls.

The speedy winger has signed a short-term deal at Cougar Park after negotiating a release from the final four months of his Odsal contract.

A product of the Bulls’ academy, Halley had failed to make a single Super League appearance this season following his recovery from a serious knee injury.

But Jason Demetriou is certain he can have a major im-pact on Cougars’ Championship One promotion push.

The Keighley chief played alongside Halley in 2009, while the Bradford-born star was on loan at Wakefield.

“It’s a really good signing and I’m pleased we’ve been able to get him on board,” said Demetriou.

“I know him from Wakefield. He’s a really good lad with a good attitude and he’s a Super League-standard player.

“He’s coming back from a serious injury and wants to play first-team footy.

“It’s a chance for him to regain his form and earn a deal for next season.

“If he enjoys it here and wants to stay, that would be great.

“It’s also a great chance for James Haythornthwaite to learn from a player of Dave’s ability and experience.”

After progressing through the Bulls ranks, Halley made his senior debut against Hull KR in 2007, scoring with his first touch of the ball.

But the speedster’s career really took off following a loan spell at Wakefield in early 2009, when he scored four tries in five games.

That form earned him a recall to the Odsal fold and he finished the season by scooping the supporters’ player of the year, players’ player of the year and best back awards.

Halley started last season as Bradford’s first-choice full back but lost his spot to Brett Kearney and then ruptured cruciate ligaments in the Carnegie Nines tournament last August.

Since returning to fitness, he has found himself down the pecking order in the fight for a wing spot, limited to appearances for the Bulls’ under-20s and in the recent Nines competition.

He looks set to make his Cougars debut in Sunday’s clash with Gateshead, and the boost couldn’t come a moment too soon, with Haythornthwaite currently sidelined.