Keighley Cougars may have gone down from the Betfred Championship back in September, but one of their star men from last season will be staying in the second tier, after admitting he hadn’t been enjoying his rugby of late.

Brad Walker, a half-back/loose forward, was one of Keighley’s most consistent players last term, but it was announced he would be leaving the club after only one season, just days after their relegation was confirmed.

The utility does have a new club for 2024, in the shape of his hometown team, Barrow.

The Raiders have brought in the former Widnes and Wakefield talent in on a two-year deal, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 campaign.

They were one of the surprise sides of 2022, earning a Championship play-off berth ahead of big names like Sheffield, Widnes and Bradford.

Conversely, they spent much of 2023 in a relegation battle, but they, Whitehaven and Swinton just managed to beat the drop, with Keighley and Newcastle the two sides to fall instead.

Speaking to the Barrow club website, Walker said: “I’m really excited about getting stuck in. I’ve known Cresta (head coach Paul Crarey) and a lot of the lads for a long time since growing up.

“Being a Barrow fan when I was younger, I always wanted to play for the club at one time in my career. It’s the right move for me at this time.

“The last couple of years have been difficult, and I haven’t been enjoying my rugby the most, so this is a good opportunity for me to kick on and rediscover my best form.

“Knowing I’ll be playing with a lot of the lads I grew up with makes the transition easier. I know what this group can do, and we’re ready to step things up this year.

“Hopefully I can work hard in pre-season, have a good start to the year and make a name for myself at this club.”

Several of Keighley's star men left the club at the end of last season, with some varying next destinations.

Sadiq Adebiyi and Robbie Storey will both get a taste of Super League with London Broncos, Mo Agoro has stayed in League 1, but joined Keighley's title rivals Oldham, while Lewis Young and Harvey Spence are embarking on a new adventure in Australia.