AARON Ollett has admitted that "he can't wait to get started" after joining the Cougars from Hull Kingston Rovers today.

Back rower Ollett made 17 appearances this year as Rovers won the Qualifiers group and reached the Challenge Cup final.

The former Skirlaugh and Hull Isberg youngster said: “My agent Craig Murdoch was looking to find me a new club and Keighley made me an offer.

“I spoke with (head coach) Paul March and he told me what he wanted to do with the club next season and it really excited me. I spoke with Josh (Guzdek) too and he said he really enjoyed his loan spell at Keighley and the lads have good craic, so I can’t wait to get started.

“Sonny Esslemont has signed up too so at least I’ll have a driving partner to keep me company when we come over from Hull for training and games.”

Ollett spent time on dual registration with League One rivals Newcastle Thunder, a move which the utility forward believes will help him in his transition into the part-time game.

“It’s a big change going from full-time to part-time but one I’m looking forward to as I believe change is a good thing and when I’m not training through the day I’ll still be hitting the gym.

“I had a loan spell with Newcastle two years ago and you’re all over the place and travelling a lot to play games in this division but there’s a French team (Toulouse) in now as well, so that should be a nice little holiday!”

However, the youngster has his eyes on the biggest prize of them all – gaining promotion to the Championship with Keighley following their near-miss last season.

“Paul said he was so gutted about the two final losses," admitted Ollett. "But now he’s told me the role I’ll have in the side, I can’t wait to get stuck in and help the lads win promotion.”

March is thrilled to snap up the youngster. He said: “To sign a player of Aaron’s calibre is a major coup for Keighley Cougars as a club.

“He featured 17 times in the Super League and Challenge Cup this season which shows how big a signing he is.

"I still need to speak to a couple of the lads but I’d say at this time that Aaron will be the final addition to the squad for next season.”