COUGARS have signed youngster Lewis Fairhurst from Kingstone Press Championship side Dewsbury Rams.

The utility back arrives at Keighley having featured for Rams and League One rivals Hemel Stags, on dual registration, this year.

Fairhurst cemented his place in Rams folklore with the winning golden point drop goal in Dewsbury's victory over neighbours Batley Bulldogs in the fourth round of this year's Challenge Cup.

As well as making six appearances for Rams, Fairhurst also scored six tries and converted 11 goals in 15 appearances for Stags in a season which saw him play in numerous positions, including in the halves, at hooker, on the wing and at full back.

The Edge Hill University student is from Bickershaw, near Wigan, and began his rugby league career, aged six, at amateur club Hindley.

Fairhurst was picked up by St Helens at the age of 14 and spent a year with Salford Red Devils under-19s before joining the Rams after Salford scrapped the side last year.