BILLY Gaylor has become Cougars' latest signing after joining from League One rivals Coventry Bears.

Gaylor can play either at hooker or in the halves, having missed only two games last season in picking up the Bears’ Young Player of the Year award.

Currently in his third year of a sports exercise science degree at Leeds Trinity University, he played for amateur outfit Siddal before signing for Halifax RL ahead of the 2016 season.

While on their books, he captained the Yorkshire College side to success and was selected to play for English Universities.

He also had a spell on dual-registration with South Wales Scorpions before earning international recognition with Scotland Under-19s.

Cougars head coach Craig Lingard said: “He knows there’s competition for places but he’s backing himself to get into the team.

“With us already having Nathan Conroy, Joe Lumb and Ryan Wright at hooker along with Matty Beharrell, Benn Hardcastle and Lewis Fairhurst in the halves, there’s real competition for places in those key areas.

“But if someone comes to you with the confidence that they believe they’ll get in the team then you’ve got to them the opportunity to show you they can do that.

“I’d also like to thank the supporters for being patient with us this off-season. "We are close to finalising deals for a couple of props and hope to announce them soon.”