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Keighley Cougars

23 Jan 2023

2023 Betfred Championship Preview | Keighley Cougars

2023 Betfred Championship Preview | Keighley Cougars

Keighley Cougars had a perfect season in 2022, which saw them dominate Betfred League One. Rhys Lovegrove’s side ended the season with a 100% record after winning all 20 of their matches on route to be crowned champions of League One. 

The Cougars will be looking to continue their forward progression in 2023, just like many previously.

Keighley have impressed during the off-season with their recruitment by signing players with significant Super League experience. Most notably is former Man of Steel, Luke Gale, who featured for Hull FC last season.

Gale will be joined by former teammate, Ben Crookes who joins the club from Hull KR.

The shrewd recruitment includes players with Championship experience, such as Mark Ioane who was part of the Leigh side which were promoted from the division in 2022.


Transfers In:

  • Luke Gale (Hull FC)
  • Mark Ioane (Leigh Leopards)
  • Sadiq Adebiyi (Wakefield Trinity)
  • Robbie Storey (Doncaster)
  • Ben Crooks (Hull KR)
  • Ellis Robson (Newcastle Thunder)
  • Brad Walker (Wakefield Trinity)
  • Lloyd Roby (Widnes Vikings)
  • Thomas Doyle (Bradford Bulls) 


Transfers Out:

  • Scott Murrell (Retired)
  • Eddy Pettybourne (Unattached)
  • Junior S’au (Old Glory DC RU)
  • James Feather (Retired)
  • Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e (Sheffield Eagles)
  • Matthew Bailey (Midlands Hurricanes)
  • Chris Cullimore (Midlands Hurricanes)
  • Spencer Darley (Unattached)
  • Dalton Desmond-Walker (Bradford Bulls)
  • Anthony Dyne (Swinton Lions)
  • Kian Fisher (Unattached)
  • Aidan Scully (Bradford & Bingley RFC)


One to Watch:

Keighley’s player to watch out for this season has to be Luke Gale. Gale is an experienced halfback, who has featured in Challenge Cup finals and the Super League Grand Final. 

The former Man of Steel has shown his talent for many years as a player at the highest standard in the British game.

It is expected that he will lead the Keighley attack and will have a big say in how the Cougars fare in the Betfred Championship.

Keighley get their 2023 season underway live on Viaplay Sports on Monday 6 February where they will host Featherstone Rovers at Cougar Park. Kick-off is at 19:45.