Ex Super League star makes shock decision on his future

A former Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards star, who featured for Leeds Rhinos in a friendly against New Zealand last year in what was supposed to be a farewell appearance, has made a shock decision on his future.

The player in question is Junior Sa’u who surprised everyone when he returned to former club Keighley Cougars mid-way through this year as they enjoyed a lot of change the wake of Luke Gale’s big move to Wakefield Trinity.

Now in a further surprise, Sa’u has elected to play on in 2024 signing a one year extension with the Cougars for the 2024 season.

Sa’u was signed this year as a replacement for departing star signing and former Hull FC and Hull KR star Ben Crooks.

Keighley moved quickly to replace Crooks by bringing in the former Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards centre on a deal until the end of the season with a potential for a further deal in 2024.

The club said:

“To soften the blow losing a player of Ben’s calibre the club can announce the re-signing of Junior Sa’u. Junior joins for the remainder of the 2023 season with the club and player open to negotiations to extend the deal into 2024.”

Returning to the other side of things, Crooks was pleased to put pen to paper with the Panthers. “I’m really happy with the news, I’m excited to be joining what’s already a quality squad and set up at Halifax”, said Ben. “With my years in the game, I’d like to think I bring some added experience to the squad. The Shay is a fantastic ground and a brilliant set up, so to call this my home ground going forward, I’m really pleased.”

“The fax fans have always been loud and proud when I’ve played as an opposition player so to have them on my side during a game will be a great boost when playing. I’m just looking to play my best, and contribute where ever I can and hopefully help the squad to some silverware this year.”

Director of Rugby Richard Durgan added: “It was clear we needed some experience in the back line and so when we heard Ben was available it was the obvious decision. The club have worked hard behind the scenes to get this done and my thanks goes to Ian Croad whilst I’ve been on holiday to help get this sorted.”