FORMER Cougars star Gavin Duffy is "excited" to make his comeback with League One rivals Hunslet following the end of his drugs ban.

The winger from Keighley was suspended for 15 months after testing positive for the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, after playing in a reserve game for the Cougars in July 2015.

Duffy, who was last year awarded a testimonial by the Rugby Football League to recognise his ten years' service to his home-town club, said: "After having a bit of time out from playing rugby league, it has made me realise just how much love I have for the game and I'm so excited for the next chapter of my career."

The 29-year-old, who came up through the Cougars' ranks, admitted he had been in "a dark place" which had led to his drug use.

At a hearing in January, it was disclosed that Duffy was diagnosed with depression 12 months earlier after his fiancee had broken off their engagement and he had lost his day job.

After then being sidelined for eight weeks with a shoulder injury in March 2015, the player began drinking heavily and the death of team-mate Danny Jones – a close friend he described as a brother – two months later heightened his depression.

Revealing the torment he suffered in the lead-up to taking cocaine, Duffy said: "It would be fair to say I was in a dark place and my head just wasn't strong.

"I wasn't bothered what was going on around me and wouldn't speak to anyone.

"It resulted in me getting banned for taking a substance we are not allowed to take in rugby league, which sidelined me for 15 months.

"On that note, if there is anyone out there who is experiencing being in a dark place, then please speak to someone about it."

The former Cougar Cubs player has agreed to join Hunslet on a one-year contract, a club where he spent time on loan during the 2014 season.

Duffy went on to play a pivotal role in helping Hunslet reach the Grand Final as he made 12 appearances, scoring 15 tries.

He has been working to get in tip-top condition with Keighley-based Workouts Gym owner Paul Royston, who previously served the Cougars in various roles – including strength and conditioning coach.

Duffy said: "I just want to say a massive thank you to Paul. I've known him many years and he is always a guy that I can speak to and I've always had a good bond with him.

"When I approached him in September, he sat me down and basically told me if I want to get where I need to be, I've got to listen to what he is telling me and work very hard.

"At the time it seemed a massive mountain to climb as I was overweight and unfit.

"But now, within six weeks, I already feel like a new man. I've been working very hard in Workouts Gym and I've had Paul on my case nearly every day. All I can do is thank him for that."

As a Keighley lad who served his home-town club for a decade, Duffy admits the Cougars will always have a special place in his heart – and he admits he could return there before his playing days are over.

"I spent many good years at Keighley Cougars and it's been a club with highs and lows for me over the years," he said.

"I met some very good friends that will be now friends for life and I really wish them all the best in the future.

"There will always be a place in my heart for Keighley Cougars and I certainly wouldn't rule out playing for them again."

For now he is relishing linking up with Hunslet's new head coach James Coyle again.

"I've had the pleasure of playing with James when I was at Hunslet on loan in 2014 and he's a great guy," said Duffy.

"James knows the game inside out and I feel like I can bring a lot of experience to the team.

"I want to be playing at the top of my game, so I'm training five times week to get where I need to be and get ready for pre-season training, which starts soon."