IN modern times it is an achievement in itself to remain loyal to one club for ten years – even more so when you’ve done it after moving from the other side of the world.

Aussie Brendon Rawlins is celebrating this feat and he kicked off his testimonial year with Cougars at a highly successful launch night.

The event saw former Keighley coach Jason Demetriou – back in this country for the World Club Series with Brisbane Broncos in his new role as assistant to Wayne Bennett – return to the club for a Q&A session hosted by Pete Emmett.

There was a healthy crowd of over 170 in attendance, including players past and present, and Lizzie Jones, wife of the late Keighley favourite Danny.

Rawlins said: “It was a great turnout and it’s overwhelming to see so many people willing to come out and support me.

“I’ve been at Keighley for ten years now and there were a lot of familiar faces down, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to put on events throughout the year.

“I don’t really know why I’ve stayed for so long. I’ve loved it here though and made some really close friends.

“Thankfully the launch landed at the time it did as Brisbane were in the country and I’m grateful to 'JD' for taking the time out to come over and support my testimonial.

“My favourite memory was the 2009 Grand Final victory over Oldham as we were quite a young team at the time and to earn promotion was a great day."

'Rawlo’ made his 222nd appearance for the club in Sunday’s victory over Doncaster. Over his career he has been a part of two promotion-winning squads at Cougars and was a part of last season’s iPro Sport Cup-winning side.

Rawlins has struck up a close bond with co-captain James Feather and is now settled in Riddlesden with fiancée Lauren and daughter Leela.

The Aussie prop said: “My friendship with Buster is something special. He’s a top bloke and he’d do anything for me and likewise I’d do anything for him."

The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund is the charity chosen by Rawlins for his testimonial.

He said: “To support something like the Jonesy fund, which is close to a lot of people’s hearts including my own, was an easy choice because Jonesy as a bloke was everyone’s friend and a class act.

"What happened to him also happened to a mate of mine back home.”