KEIGHLEY Cougars have brought three players in for the rest of the season to try and help them escape relegation.

They are just one point off the drop zone with eight games to go, but will hope deals for young Leeds Rhinos duo Joe Gibbons and Tom Nicholson-Watton, as well as the return of former star Ben Stead from Midlands Hurricanes, will help turn the tide.

Gibbons and Nicholson-Watton, a second row and prop respectively, have signed on loan from Headingley until the end of the season.

The former had been on loan at Keighley earlier in the season, returning to his parent club after suffering an injury.

Keighley News: Joe Gibbons runs at the Bulls defence on a memorable debut back in March.Joe Gibbons runs at the Bulls defence on a memorable debut back in March. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

Meanwhile, half-back Stead returns to his hometown club for an undisclosed fee.

His deal runs until the end of 2023, with Stead already familiar with the surroundings, having had two previous spells at Cougar Park.

He told Cougars’ website: “I’m delighted to be back at Cougar Park for the remainder of the season, having spent many years supporting and then playing for my hometown club over the years. 

“It will be great to get stuck straight into training this week with the lads and also work with (new head coach) Matt Foster again, after several years of being coached by him as a junior in the Cougars scholarship system. 

“I’m excited to be a part of such a great club again and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”