Jake Webster signs contract to take him past 38th birthday

Jake Webster has signed a new contract at Keighley Cougars on his 38th birthday.

The veteran centre signed for the Cougars from the Bradford Bulls ahead of the 2020 campaign and is looking forward to the potential of finishing his long and successful career in the game with promotion at Keighley.

“It was a no brainer really as I’ve grown really fond of the club,” admitted the centre.

“Keighley is where I want to end my career as the club has always been great to me since I first arrived.

“I feel that this is the right place for me and my family, and I love everything that the club stands for.

“The objective now is to gain promotion to the Championship after coming so close this year.

“It is time for the boys to do what it says on the tin and just continuously win games of Rugby League.

“We are definitely building a good squad for the coming year so it is upwards and onwards whilst building towards a bright future for the Keighley Cougars.”

Since joining the club ahead of the 2020 campaign from local rivals Bradford Bulls, Jake has established himself as a popular character both on and off the field at Cougar Park.

Working behind the scenes with various departments including media, marketing, and the foundation, the former New Zealand international has become a familiar face within the town.

Whether he is meeting with sponsors, partaking in PR and photo ops around Keighley, or working with young fans and children in schools, Webster has embraced the culture of both the club and the town with open arms.

From a rugby standpoint, his experience and leadership both on the field and in the changing rooms has made him a favourite amongst teammates and supporters.

After the Covid-19 cancelled 2020 season, in which he made two appearances before the pandemic despite having broken ribs, the veteran became a regular as the Cougars nearly claimed promotion this past year.

Playing in both the centres and the back row at various points during the season, Jake made 13 appearances either side of a two-month injury lay-off midway through the year and scored 8 tries including a brace in September’s dramatic away victory against Doncaster.

Now due a testimonial for his services to the sport as he heads into the 23^rd season of his professional career, the elder statesman of the side is aware of the pivotal roles the fans will need to play in 2022.

“I can’t wait to see the fans at a packed-out Cougar Park,” said Webster.

“The last two years have been up and down, but things are settling now and hopefully it will continue to settle and get better.

“Me and the boys always appreciate the support both at Cougar Park and away too as shown by the large following we took to Doncaster, North Wales, and Workington.

“They really are an extra man on the field for us and I just can’t wait to see them packing out grounds throughout League One.”