Popular Aussie Brendan Rawlins plans on firing the Cougars into National League One during his second year at the club.

The strong-running prop, who arrived from NRL outfit Wests Tigers earlier this year, has agreed a new deal for 2008.

Rawlins, 21, has overcome an injury-plagued opening few months to establish himself as a key component of Barry Eaton's improving side.

The tough front-rower scored his first try for the club in the win over Swinton a fortnight ago, winning the man-of-the-match award for a second successive week.

Although the Cougars are out of the play-off reckoning this time around, he is excited about next season's prospects after becoming the latest Cougar to re-sign.

"I'm delighted to be able to stay at Keighley for another year," said Rawlins, who has been living with club chairman Neil Spence since flying in from Sydney in January.

"I've really enjoyed my rugby, feel I have improved under Barry's coaching and am excited about playing and fighting for promotion in the 2008 campaign.

"Neil and Maureen have been wonderful allowing me to live with them for another year and working with the children in the Cougar Pride Centre has been great too."

Rawlins works for the club's study centre during the day as a mentor, assisting with extra curriculum literacy, numeracy and role play, a position he will continue next year.

Eaton - whose side entertain Barrow on Sunday - said: "It's great news that we have been able to secure Brendan.

"He had a tough start to the season breaking a bone in his hand which kept him out for six weeks, then settled into some great form, only to get a hairline fracture of the jaw which kept him out for another four.

"But again he has shown his qualities since then and is now back in good form.

"He has the ability to be one of the most recognised props at this level if he continues his progress and we're delighted he's with us again."

Meanwhile, the Cougars' senior academy went down 34-14 at Workington at the weekend despite two tries from Matt Foster and a Mick Land effort. The Under-21s play host to Barrow Raiders on Saturday (2.30pm).