Keighley sign PNG international

Keighley Cougars have confirmed the signing of PNG international forward Wellington Albert for the 2021 season.

Albert signs from Leeds Rhinos, after several loan spells with Featherstone Rovers.

The forward came to the country with his brother Stanton ahead of the 2018 season with Widnes Vikings. He then moved to Leeds a year later.

Albert played 15 games on dual-registration for Featherstone and signed another loan deal ahead of the 2020 season.

He told the club website:“I’m really looking forward to a new opportunity with Keighley.

“There are some really good players at the club already, so I’m looking forward to getting into training and help build some confidence and then win some games once we get into the new season.

“I didn’t really know much about Keighley, but last year before lockdown I met a few of the boys when I played against them in a couple of training matches with Featherstone.

“I am just looking forward now to getting back out and playing some footy, and I’m really looking forward to doing that with Keighley and helping the club move up the divisions into the Championship.”

Head Coach Rhys Lovegrove added: “I’m really excited about having a player such as Wellington at the club.

“His athleticism is going to really add something unique to not just the forward pack, but the squad as a whole.

“With the team we have and the systems that I want to play moving forward, Wellington will definitely add something different.

“I’m just really excited now to see him in Cougar colours in 2021.”