KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced the exciting capture of half-back Scott Murrell.

Murrell joins the club from Halifax RL, where he was captain, and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal until the end of the 2022 season.

Affectionately known as ‘Muzza’, the 34-year-old adds a wealth of talent and experience to head coach Rhys Lovegrove’s squad, as he begins his recruitment process for the 2021 Betfred League One campaign.

Lovegrove said of his first new arrival for next season: “Scott is an experienced campaigner that will add detail to our play on the field.

“Off the field, he has a very strong and energetic work ethic that will add a lot to the dressing room and develop our culture of success here at the club.

“He will also offer an experienced head in the sheds that will bring through our younger players and aid them with their own personal development.”

Chairman Mick O’Neill added: “Scott is a great signing for the club, and I am incredibly pleased that he has joined the Cougars.

“I’ve met with Scott and enjoy his company and can already tell what a positive influence he will be both on and off the field to all of those associated with our club.

“He is a great player, one of the best outside of Super League, and I fully believe he can help us achieve our aim of reaching the Championship and have full faith in Scott that he will do this.”

A product of the Drighlington amateur club, Murrell began his professional career in 2003 with Leeds Rhinos.

But he would only make one appearance for the club and joined Hull Kingston Rovers in 2006 after a loan spell with the London Broncos.

His first season at Craven Park would be a memorable one, as Murrell cemented a regular spot in the side at Rovers, helping them earn promotion to the Super League as they defeated Widnes in the 2006 National League One play-off final.

Following the club’s promotion to the top flight, Murrell would continue to be a first team regular, as Rovers cemented their place among the northern hemisphere’s elite competition, before pushing on to becoming regulars in the end of season play-offs.

During his six years on Humberside, he made 178 appearances, before moving on to join Halifax ahead of the 2013 season.

In an eight-season stint at The Shay, Murrell established himself as a cult hero among the Fax faithful and one of the best players outside of the Super League.

Becoming renowned for his intelligent play on the pitch, and his fun-loving nature off it, he led Halifax from the forefront through a successful period for the club.

During his time at The Shay, Halifax secured a top four finish in the Championship on three occasions, seeing them reach The Qualifiers to earn a chance at being promoted to the Super League, before a memorable run to the 2019 Challenge Cup semi-finals, with Murrell an integral part of the side that achieved these feats.

Speaking of his decision to join the Cougars, Murrell said: “I am looking forward to a new challenge with Keighley.

“I can’t wait to get started now and rip in with Rhys and the boys for next season.”

In other news, the club have launched a brand new website, which can be found at: https://keighleycougars.uk/