Keighley Cougars are poised to re-sign their try scoring full back James Rushforth.

Rushforth's return is great news for the Cougars as Keighley look to secure their place in the Northern Ford Premiership top eight play-offs.

The 22-year-old former Halifax full back was one of ten senior players, who left Cougars at the end of April when the club were forced to introduce cost cutting measure.

Rushforth joined Featherstone Rovers, but has decided to return, much to the delight of Cougars coach Steve Deakin.

He said: "James played every game for Featherstone after he left us, but he told them last week he wanted to come back to Keighley and he didn't play against us on Sunday.

"The reason he wants to come back is that he just misses playing for Keighley. He left without a fee and there is no fee involved in his return.

"It's good news for us. He is a big, strong running full back which is what we need."

"He signed for us last season when Karl Harrison was in charge. He was dropped, but got back in the side and finished the season very well. He began this season very well and made the full back position his own."

Rushforth scored 11 tries for the Cougars before he left five weeks ago.

Deakin, who hopes to make a further signing before the Northern Ford Premiership transfer deadline a week on Friday is pleased to have Matt Foster and Andy Richardson back from injury.

Both played for the A team in their 58-6 win over Whitehaven and Foster scored four tries.

Deakin welcomes a week's break before Cougars play their next match against Doncaster at Cougar Park on Sunday.

The players' tiredness showed in their 44-0 defeat at Featherstone, which followed their 26-14 league win over Sheffield the previous Sunday and a 36-0 defeat against leaders Leigh in the Trans-Pennine Cup final in midweek.

"We are grateful for a week's rest," said Deakin. "It will certainly help us."