Sam Obst says he is delighted to have joined the Cougars but admits he could yet end up playing in Super League next season.

The 31-year-old half-back or hooker has signed a one-year deal at Cougar Park and will combine playing duties with a community-based role at the club.

But should a top-flight club come calling and offer him another opportunity to play at the highest level, Keighley player-coach Jason Demetriou would allow him to leave.

“JD has said he wouldn’t stand in my way if a Super League club came in for me,” explained Obst.

“He would definitely consider letting me go and I still think I can play at that level. As things stand, I’m playing for Keighley next season but if a Super League club came knocking, I would have to consider it.”

The Australian was a free agent after being released from the last year of his contract with Hull, whose new coach Peter Gentle deemed him surplus to requirements.

Obst had looked set to return to Wakefield, where he played with Demetriou and fellow new Cougars recruit Michael Korkidas, but the proposed move fell through.

“It was disappointing what happened at Hull but all coaches have their own ideas when they come into a club,” said Obst.

“It’s just a hard time to find a club as squads have been put together by this time. I was on the way back to Wakey but that fell through.”

Obst, whose father Tony played for Keighley in the 1970s, is now focused on making a success of his time at Cougars.

He said: “I spoke to my dad about joining Keighley the other day and he was laughing. He was here in 1975, so it’s nice to come to a club he played for.

“Aside from my playing commitments here, I’m working with the club on the development and commercial side, along with Michael Korkidas, and getting out to meet the fans and promoting the club in the community.

“If I can help in some way, then great, and obviously I have played with and known JD for a long time. That was a bit of a link and it seems like the Cougars have got a decent squad together.

“It’s a step up for everyone after last season in Championship One, so we will just see what happens in the first few games of the season.

“There are some good teams in this league and I’ve only had two training sessions so far. But the squad looks strong and there are good young players plus more experienced guys.”

Obst can play six, seven or nine but he admitted: “I don’t really know where JD wants me to play. It will probably be a bit in the halves and hooker, I’m not really sure.

“We knew each other well from our time at Wakefield. We had a couple of tough years and a few ups and downs but that’s how it is in Super League. Now I’m looking forward to next season with Keighley.”

The Cougars are inviting supporters to meet the club’s new signings at Cougar Park a week on Saturday.

The family event kicks off at 4pm and Demetriou said: “It will be a Christmas party atmosphere with treats, hot dogs, drinks and a visit from Santa that will make it an enjoyable afternoon for the family.

“There will also be a fans’ forum for the Cougars faithful to get to know how our new recruits are finding life down at Cougar Park.”

On the panel at the forum will be: Korkidas, Obst, Paul March, Danny Jones, Richie Barnett, Neil Cherryholme, skipper James Feather and Demetriou.

The Cougars will also launch their new playing kit for 2012 at the event, so supporters who attend will get a chance to purchase or order their replica shirt.

“The launch will go into the evening and supporters are encouraged to stick around and share a Christmas drink with the players,” said Demetriou.

“It is a chance for Cougars fans to get down to Cougar Park in numbers and create a feel-good factor that kick-starts our first season back in the Co-operative Championship and gives our 2012 squad an idea of the level of support and atmosphere that is created at Cougar Park.”