The Cougars have pulled off a major coup by enticing former Super League star Craig Weston out of retirement.

The talented Australian, who featured with Hudders-field Giants and Widnes Vik-ings, has signed until the end of the season in a deal fin-anced following a generous one-off donation to the new Barry Eaton Players Fund.

Weston, 33, moved home to the Gold Coast to start up a business venture after finishing his career with Leigh two years ago but Cougars player-coach Barry Eaton has persuaded his former team-mate to return to England to bolster the struggling National Lea-gue Two club.

Skilled playmaker Weston is now set to debut at York on Sunday and Eaton, frustrated recently in the transfer market, admitted: "This is massive for us.

"Craig's got great experience and I know what his qualities are having played with him at Widnes.

"He's played more than 100 Super League games and will be a fine addition.

"His versatility is big, having played Super League at stand-off, scrum half, centre and full back so he'll be able to fill in anywhere we think he can benefit the team.

"Hopefully he can take a bit of pressure off my shoulders as well. Probably the main reason he's come over is because we remained good friends after Widnes and we visited him out in Oz a couple of years ago.

"He's still fit and has kept in great shape."

Weston added: "I am thrilled to be joining the Cougars and helping them climb the league table to a play-off position.

"I'm looking forward to helping develop the young potential within the squad and giving them the experience and advice I have learned throughout my career."