KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced that Brenden Santi has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.

The Italian national team captain has set Cougar Park alight since arriving from Newcastle Thunder ahead of this season, with both head coach Rhys Lovegrove and chairman Mick O’Neill MBE acting quickly to secure his services until the end of 2023.

Joining Cougars for 2021, Santi has quickly cemented himself as a fans’ favourite both on and off the field.

Moving into the town after joining the club, he has become a friendly and familiar face to all those who live locally.

Becoming a regular sight within Keighley itself, he has partaken in several community activities, such as coaching on the Cougars’ holiday camps, supporting local businesses, and supporting mental health in the area along with teammate Dalton Desmond-Walker.

His herculean efforts in both defence and attacks on the field have also wowed the Keighley faithful this year, whether he be playing in the front or back rows, reaping his own rewards as he has scored 11 tries in his 16 appearances so far this season.

These qualities and attributes, coupled with his leadership qualities, have seen him firmly established as a favourite among both supporters and teammates alike.

And after putting pen to paper on his new deal, the utility forward couldn’t hide his delight at staying not just with the club, but also to putting down roots in his home away from home.

“It was an easy choice really to stay at Keighley,” admitted Santi.

“The Cougars are a great club with a real passionate community backing them.

“Some great things are happening at this club, and I want to be a part of that.

“I couldn’t be happier with my decision and I’m really looking forward now to showing what our club and little town has to show for ourselves in the future.”