The influx of talent has continued at Keighley Cougars, with two Leeds Rhinos academy prospects and Grand Final-winning stand-off Paul Ashton joining the club this week.

Lewis Taylor, a 19-year-old prop who represented Wales in this year's European Nations Cup, and Johny Wainhouse, a 20-year-old hooker who faced the Bulls in this year's Under-21 Academy Grand Final, have joined the club on one-year deals.

The club have also added vital depth at stand-off, with the 24-year-old goal-kicker Ashton set to challenge Adam Mitchell for the position after returning to Cougar Park following an unhappy year at Swinton.

Wainhouse and Taylor will immediately challenge for first-team places despite still being eligible to play under-21 football, said coach Gary Moorby.

"The Super League clubs have to make a decision on these guys and they don't think they are going to make it yet," said Moorby.

"But there is nothing to say they won't develop into Super League players, and if not they'll do a good job at our level.

"You are always going to be disappointed to leave a club like Leeds but they see this move as a step forward in their development. I would like to see them pushing for and playing in the first team, putting everybody else under pressure.

"These are young guys and we are building for the future. If you look at our average age this year it will be well under 25. It bodes well for the future. I believe that we are going the right way."

And Moorby was also delighted with Ashton's decision to return to Cougar Park. The son of former Great Britain international Ray would add another dimension in attack, he said.

"Paul is a little bit of an individual. He does his own thing quite a lot but he has got electric pace off the mark. He's like a little Rob Burrow. He gives us a few more options.

"Things are looking very healthy at the moment. Our training has been tremendous. There is a buzz around the place, a great atmosphere. It's nice to be so positive at this stage of the season."