Danny Jones has spoken of his delight at rejoining Cougars as they prepare for life back in the Cham-pionship.

The 25-year-old scrum half, who enjoyed a fine Gillette Four Nations campaign for Wales, is one of several high-profile signings to have been recruited by player-coach Jason Demetriou during the winter.

The talented half-back has been joined at Cougar Park by several former Super League new recruits such as Semi Tadulala, Sam Obst, Michael Korkidas, Paul March and Richie Barnett.

Jones has returned to Keighley after just one season away and said: “I’m delighted to be back here.

“Even when I left Cougars after three years to join Halifax, it was a decision I had to think long and hard about.

“But, after the club got relegated, I felt I had to be playing at the highest level possible.

“That was the only reason. People think it was because Halifax is my home-town club but I’ve been in touch with most of the lads at Cougars and, like I say, it’s great to be back.

“I spoke to JD throughout the season about this year and he clearly wants to progress the club, so it’s an exciting time. He’s using his contacts to get some top-quality players and why not?

“Between them, JD, Obst, Tadulala, Korkidas and Marchy have probably made around 600 Super League appearances.

“That is great experience and it bodes well for the coming season.”

Jones is still buzzing from his Four Nations exploits, where he played in all of Wales’ games against England, New Zealand and Australia.

Although Iestyn Harris’ men lost the three matches, they won many admirers for their competitiveness and spirit.

Jones, who was deployed at full back, declared: “Playing in the Four Nations was definitely the highlight of my career.

“I’m only 25 and I’m hoping to have more moments like this.

“In rugby league it’s the best competition to play in and I’ll probably look back and think ‘wow, that was something special’.”

Bradford Bulls duo Craig Kopczak and Elliot Kear were arguably Wales’ best two players during the tournament but many of their squad enhanced their reputations.

Jones added: “It’s a pretty young squad and if we can keep these blokes together, and keep finding more Welsh talent, we can go from strength to strength.”

Jones, who works as a scaffolder during the week, is now aiming to nail down a regular spot at scrum half for Cougars, although he insists there will be no rash predictions for the year ahead.

“Everyone will be looking at the squad we’ve assembled but we’ve talked about that and said that we’re going to take it game by game,” he said.

“We’re hoping to slip under the radar in the Championship and see how far we can go in the Northern Rail Cup.

“Then we’ll take it from there. Personally, I don’t want to be playing second fiddle to anyone at this stage in my career and I’m determined to get a starting spot and keep it. It’s an exciting time to be at Cougars and I’m looking forward to it.”

Jones wrote his name into Cougars record books during their one-season stay in the Championship in 2010. Although Keighley were relegated, Jones set a new club record for scoring in consecutive matches, having registered in 51 straight games.

Meanwhile, Cougars’ friendly at home to Batley last Sunday was postponed because of a frozen pitch. It was due to be played last night and the club extended their cheap season-ticket deadline to allow fans to buy them then.