Championship star completes transfer to major club

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants have all completed major signings for next year.

But none of them have been able to sign promising hooker Thomas Doyle from Keighley Cougars despite the fact he Doyle has activated his Super League clause to leave Keighley Cougars after being denied a release for 2023.

It has now been confirmed that he has joined Wakefield Trinity on a one year deal.

Keighley made the following statement: “Thomas Doyle will depart the club following his request in August to have his contract terminated so he could join a Super League club. The Cougars denied this request with just 30 hours until the signing window closed, and later in August, Doyle activated the Super League clause in his contract for the 2024 season.

“Billy Gaylor has been an outstanding servant to the club over the last five years and leaves with the clubs best wishes as he lands a spot in League 1 for 2024.

“Lewis Young and Harvey Spence embark on a new adventure in Australia. As young men wanting to broaden their outlook on life and experience new things, we wish the pair well in their new adventure and we look forward to seeing their rugby league talents on show in the southern hemisphere.

“Alix Stephenson ends his three year spell with the club and will now take some time away from the sport.

“Jake Sweeting has struggled for game time this year and found a home at Midlands Hurricanes while out on loan.

“Mo Agoro’s departure from Keighley Cougars marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the club’s history having made 60 appearances for the club and scoring 180 points.

“Lloyd Roby had a one year option for 2025 in the clubs favour, which was not taken up. Lloyd leaves with the clubs best wishes and the belief he can kick on and nail a starting spot down in Championship.

“We would also like to thank our first team physio Leanne McPherson and Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Black and Calum MacLoud. Without these people present, the players would not have been able to take the field each week. The hours they put into the season are extremely valuable and we cannot thank them enough.”

Wakefield themselves released a statement confirming the signing of Doyle.

“Wakefield Trinity is pleased to announce the signing of hooker Thomas Doyle from Keighley Cougars on a one year deal.

“Thomas, now 24 came through the Academy system at Bradford Bulls and soon attracted the interest of Super League clubs. The Bulls quickly demanded a substantial fee for this promising young talent to deter this interest.

“He went on to play 57 times for Bradford from 2019 to 2022 scoring 16 tries. He surprisingly moved on to Keighley for the 2023 season scoring 3 tries in 23 appearances for the Championship club.”

“Head Coach Daryl Powell said: “Thomas Doyle, is a young hooker who is a quality addition to back up Liam Hood around the engine room of the pack in what is one of the most important parts of a rugby league team. He is quick and strong with quality service around the ruck. I’m looking forward to working with him and see how he can grow into being a super league player of the future.”

“We look forward to seeing the continued development of this fine young player as part of the new look Wakefield Trinity squad in 2024.”