KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced the season long loan signing of Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e from Hull KR.

Laulu-Togaga’e made his professional debut for Keighley against West Wales Raiders on 13 June 2021 and is a welcome addition to the squad for this year.

He continues in his previously assigned squad number, 35.

Fans will be aware; Phoenix can play anywhere in the outside backs and adds depth to our squad for the remainder of this season.

Jake Webster, Director of Rugby, said: “Phoenix is a welcome addition and adds competition for places in our squad. The paperwork was filed before the RFL deadline and is in contention to play this weekend.

“We’ve been after securing PLT on a more permanent basis for some time and I am pleased we have got this over the line. We are still looking to strengthen the squad going into the back end of the season.”

As with all loans, the parent club can recall their players after the initial two-week period has elapsed.

The news comes after Cougars announced the termination of Dane Chisholm’s playing contract by mutual agreement.

Keighley received an undisclosed transfer fee and were happy to allow Chisholm to return to Featherstone Rovers in a move which sees him secure his future in this country playing rugby league beyond 2023.

He said: “Firstly, I want to say thank you to all the players I have had the pleasure of playing with at Keighley cougars. You made me feel at home and welcomed me with open arms from the beginning. A big thank you to the fans for always showing me how loyal Keighley Cougars supporters are.

“Going undefeated and the promotion in the 2022 season, is a highlight of my career and something i will always remember. Also, thank you to coaches and coaching staff who I have had the privileged of working with.”

“A special mention to Jake and Steve for allowing me to pursue a new opportunity. Finally, thank you Keighley Cougars for having me, I wish you all the best for the future.”

Jake Webster said: “It’s a difficult one this as Chiz and I go way back but I understand the romance of rugby league and he feels he has unfinished business at a club he spent three years at. Ironically, it’s exactly four years to the day he originally signed for Fev.”

“No one loses out on this deal. We can reinvest into the middles area, while Chiz gets to have a crack at winning promotion for a team close to his heart and secures his future going forward.”