Bradford Bulls hooker George Flanagan joins Keighley Cougars

The veteran hooker joined the Bulls in 2018 and has made 107 appearances for the club.

But he has only featured six times this season, with Australian duo Mitch Souter and Tyran Ott ahead of him in the pecking order.

The 37-year-old spent time on dual registration at Rochdale Hornets before joining the Cougars on a loan deal last month.

And after having his initial doubts, Flanagan admits to feeling happy and settled at Keighley now.

He said: “I’ve really loved my time at Keighley.

“I was really apprehensive of the loan move initially but my eyes have been opened to a life outside the Bulls.

“Keighley have been really welcoming and I’ve been talking to (chief operating officer) Steve Watkinson and (director of rugby) Jake Webster regularly and their vision for this club is something I am really keen to be a part of.

“The group of boys have welcomed me with open arms and I am really enjoying what feels like a new lease of life with my rugby.”

Bulls have paid tribute to Flanagan, with head coach Eamon O’Carroll saying: “It’s sad to see George go, he’s obviously been here a number of years and was a popular member of the group.

“He has not been able to get the gametime he has wanted but he has been playing regularly for Keighley in recent weeks so I wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

George Flanagan celebrates scoring for Keighley, having made a loan move there last month. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

And chief executive officer Jason Hirst added: “Both personally and, more importantly, on behalf of the club, I’d like to thank George for all his efforts and the memories he’s provided, here at the Bradford Bulls, his boyhood club.

“As a likeable, popular player, we also wish him every success in the next chapter of his on-field career.”

And Webster is delighted that that will be at Keighley, saying: “George has been a breath of fresh air for the team and he has fitted in like he’s been here forever.

“He brings an energy and level of experience we were lacking in the group and I am thrilled to make this a permanent move.

“George offers so much to the group and to secure his signature longer term is something I was really keen to do.”