COUGARS have snapped up Josh Tonks from York City Knights to replace the departing Darren Hawkyard.

The second-row forward arrives at Keighley following three seasons in North Yorkshire, in which he helped Knights to the 2014 League One League Leaders’ Shield and the iPro Sport Cup final last May, when they were defeated by Cougars.

Prior to his York spell, Tonks spent five seasons at Dewsbury Rams and had a brief loan stint with Castleford Tigers.

Tonks comes in for Hawkyard, who had been contracted to Keighley for the forthcoming season but has left due to work and family commitments.

Head coach Craig Lingard said: “The company which Darren works for has recently undergone a takeover which means he unfortunately has seen an increase in his work commitments outside of the game.

“Whilst obviously disappointed to lose Darren, he has been open and honest with me and has allowed me enough time to bring in a suitable replacement to the club to take his place.

“Should Darren be able to commit to training with the Cougars, he will return to the club and has already said he will be more than happy to come into Scott Lindsey’s reserves side and earn his place back in the first team.”