Keighley sign forward Benjafield

Coach Barry Eaton (l) and Ryan Benjafield

Coach Barry Eaton (l) is happy with the signing of Benjafield

Keighley Cougars have signed forward Ryan Benjafield from Championship One rivals Workington Town.

The 25-year-old prop has signed a contract until the end of the season with a view to extending the deal.

Cougars head coach Barry Eaton said: "He's just the kind of forward we've been looking for and has a lovely pair of hands in rugby terms."

Although Australia-born, Benjafield has a British passport and does not count on the overseas quota.

The former Penrith Panther is the West Yorhsire club's second major signing in a week following centre Damien Reid's arrival from Batley Bulldogs.

His arrival at Cougar Park increases the numbers of front row men I have available for selection and it will certainly step up competition for first-team places

Keighley Cougars head coach Barry Eaton

Benjafield has also played for Hull FC and Rochdale Hornets and goes straight into contention for the Cougars' league game at Blackpool Panthers on Sunday.

Eaton added: "I've been interested in signing Ryan for quite some time.

"His arrival at Cougar Park increases the numbers of front row men I have available for selection and it will certainly step up competition for first-team places.

"It's been proved to us by the bad run of injuries we've experienced in the forwards, particularly the front row, in recent weeks that we needed more power up front available.

"We've been able to secure Ryan for the Cougars thanks to some financial assistance from our 'Squadbuilder' scheme and I'd like to thank them for their support once again."