COUGARS prop Ross Peltier is among eight players signed by Bradford & Bingley, who are bidding to get out of SSE Yorkshire Division One at the first attempt – and not by using an open chequebook.

The 23-year-old Jamaican rugby league international has been joined at Wagon Lane by returning trio Ben Greaves and winger Adam Sutcliffe, who are both back from Old Crossleyans, and hooker Sam White.

In addition, vastly experienced prop Paul Sinfield has moved over from Keighley, while Josh Roberts (former Stanningley RL player), Evan Woodworth (Burley) and Max Dominy (St Ives) are also part of head of rugby Martin Whitcombe's summer signings spree.

Although pre-season training does not start until Tuesday, July 7 (7pm), Whitcombe explained: "I had originally thought about keeping back an announcement until we get pre-season underway, as you can't really think of someone as a Bees player until you see them in action at Wagon Lane.

"However, as I know there is a great deal of interest circulating around the club at the moment, and I had said when I first took on this role that I would keep everyone informed, I thought it best to get these names out there."

It has already been announced that Greaves will have a coaching role at Wagon Lane, while White played for the Bees a couple of seasons ago when undertaking post-graduate studies and his research role has brought him back to West Yorkshire.

Whitcombe said: "Possibly the most pleasing part of being able to announce this first batch of new players is that Adam Sutcliffe has decided to return to us.

"He showed some real potential as a youngster and scored some great tries in his first spell with us. It is great news that he has decided to come back to Wagon Lane and give it another crack.

"Seeing Paul Sinfield's name on that list might raise an eyebrow down the road at Keighley. But we need players for all conditions and if it comes to a game played in filthy conditions in January, we might need a few immovable objects to bolster our front row.

"Paul might be a man who can come in and be that awkward lump of furniture that the opposition cannot shift."

Former Beckfoot School pupil Peltier, who went to Huddersfield Giants' Academy before playing for Whitsunday Brahmans in Australia's Queensland Cup, was loaned from Cougars to Hunslet Hawks last August and has played three times for Keighley this season in Kingstone Press League One.

In a statement on their website, Cougars stated that his code switch with the Bees will not take place until after their current season ends.

Dominy, who has played for Northampton Colts, could be a formidable presence in the centre at 6ft 4in.

On the open chequebook rumours, Whitcombe said: "Another good reason for announcing the players who have actually signed on the dotted line is that it stops some of the silly rumours which start to circulate at this time of year.

"I am sure there are stories doing the rounds about Nick Patterson, Peter Rae and Phil Greaves chasing players all over Yorkshire with an open chequebook.

"This simply isn't true. We have an open door to any player of any ability who wants to enjoy their rugby and if anyone wants to talk to us, then we are more than willing to listen."

The Bees hope to be able to announce further signings next week.