KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced the arrival of Brad Walker from Super League side Wakefield.

The Cumbrian-born loose forward, who can also play at nine or in the halves, signs for the club on a two-year deal following his departure from Trinity.

Departing Belle Vue following a tough couple of years since the sport's return following the pandemic, Walker’s arrival at Cougar Park is another statement of intent from head coach Rhys Lovegrove and head of rugby Andrew Henderson.

For the club’s third new recruit for next season though, it is about enjoying rugby league once more, while trying to achieve his goal of returning to the top level.

“For me it is about starting to enjoy my rugby again,” admitted Walker.

“When I spoke with Rhys and Hendo about their plans for me and the club over the next few years, I was attracted straight away.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Keighley from the players there now and people that have been at the club before.

“I’m here to challenge at the top end of the Championship and help with the club's aspirations to get into the Super League.

“I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.”

Henderson added: “We are very happy to have secured Brad’s services.

“He is a skilful and talented player with Super League pedigree and brings genuine quality in the loose forward position.

“Knowing how Rhys wants to play, I identified Brad as a direct replacement for (the now-retired) Scott Murrell, as I believe he fits that mould of a ball-playing loose forward with skill.

“Unfortunately for Brad in recent years at Wakefield, he has been used more as a utility player covering a number of positions, which is great and beneficial to us that he can also do that.

“But we have brought him here to play and develop further in that loose forward role.

“I am looking forward to watching Brad develop further under Rhys and our coaching team as I feel has the potential to progress further as a player here in the future.

“We welcome Brad and his partner to the club and look forward to what he will bring to the team.”

Born and raised in Barrow, Walker began his rugby league career in the community game, as he developed through the junior set-up at Askam.

While doing so, the young Walker was spotted by Widnes, who acted quickly to secure his services for their scholarship and academy ranks.

Relocating to Cheshire, the versatile forward continued to impress as he came through the Vikings' academy system and gained international honours with the England academy.

Signed to a professional deal ahead of the 2016 season, he made his professional debut in that same year for Widnes in a Super League fixture against Castleford.

After some impressive displays, Walker was rewarded with a new three-year deal for the 2018 season, during which he had a loan spell with the North Wales Crusaders, though he was unable to help prevent his parent club being relegated from the Super League.

Financial difficulties followed for Widnes in 2019, but he remained loyal to the club and helped them to that year's 1895 Cup final, where they were defeated at Wembley by Sheffield.

With Widnes then turning part-time, they accepted Walker’s request to be released early from his contract to take up an offer in Super League from Wakefield.

Trinity loaned the forward to Newcastle, but a combination of injury and the pandemic brought his temporary move to a sudden halt.

Returning to West Yorkshire, Walker made three appearances during the Covid restart in late 2020 and from there#, featured a further 13 times the following year.

However, his time at Wakefield saw him regularly in and out of the side and he only made nine appearances during the 2022 season.

Released following the end of his contract, the Cougars hierarchy moved quickly to secure one of their top targets in Walker, and both he and his new club will be looking forward to seeing him in regular action over the next two years.

Players contracted for season 2023 (as of 24/9/2022): Mo Agoro; Dane Chisholm; Thomas Doyle; Keenan Dyer-Dixon; Toby Everett; Billy Gaylor; Charlie Graham; Kyle Kesik; Aaron Levy; Josh Lynam; Jack Miller; Dan Parker; Eddy Pettybourne; Lloyd Roby; Nathan Roebuck; Brenden Santi; Harvey Spence; Alix Stephenson; Kyle Trout; Brad Walker; Jake Webster; Lewis Young.