PAUL MARCH has paid tribute to Josh Guzdek for his role in helping Cougars to capture Hull KR duo Aaron Ollett and Sonny Esslemont.

The head coach was delighted when Ollett and Esslemont opted to sign for Keighley following their release from Craven Park at the end of last season.

Back-rower Ollett made 17 appearances in 2015 as Rovers won the Qualifiers group and reached the Challenge Cup final.

Esslemont spent time on loan in the North East with Newcastle Thunder but coach Chris Chester was keen to strengthen his Robins fringe numbers with proven Super League stars.

March revealed that a ringing endorsement from their former Hull KR team-mate Guzdek helped to persuade both men to commit to the Keighley cause.

Guzdek enjoyed his loan stint from Rovers at Cougars last season but has since joined Championship outfit Dewsbury Rams after impressing Rams boss Glenn Morrison.

March had no qualms with Guzdek opting to play at a higher level and is grateful to the full back for telling Ollett and Esslemont about the level of care he received at Cougar Park.

March said: “We were really surprised when Aaron’s name came up.

“He played 17 times for Hull KR last season and so he brings a lot of Super League experience with him to Cougar Park and he’s only a young lad.

“Josh Guzdek spoke very highly of us and I think that was a massive influence on Aaron’s decision to come here.

“Josh did a great job for us here last season and he has obviously spoken to Aaron and Sonny and told them what a good club it was to be at.

“I talked the club up too and both lads were really happy to come here.

“They have both fitted in really well and that experience that Aaron, in particular, has sets him up for the rest of his career.

“I’m delighted I’ve got him and if a Super League club does come in for him then he has a clause whereby he can be released.

“But he’s a Cougars player and he’s going to do everything he can to get his career back to where he wants to be.”

March says he will continue to monitor Guzdek’s progress and hopes to see him back at Cougar Park one day.

He said: “Like I said, Josh definitely played a part in helping us to sign Aaron and Sonny.

“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that if Josh ever had the opportunity to return to Cougar Park then he would do that.

“I obviously rate him and he rates what we do here, so I’m in no doubt that he would return if an opportunity arose.

“But obviously he’s at Dewsbury now and can hopefully take his career to another level again.

“We wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts for Cougars last season.”