COUGARS are pursuing two potential new recruits on the recommendation of England boss Wayne Bennett following his recent visit to Keighley.

The legendary Australian, who is regarded as the greatest coach in rugby league history after winning a record seven NRL titles, met with new Cougars head coach Craig Lingard when he was guest speaker at Lawkholme Lane ahead of the current Four Nations tournament.

And chairman Gary Fawcett confirmed the club were following up Bennett’s tip-off on two possible additions from Down Under.

He said: “Wayne found time to give me some very good advice and spent time during the evening with Craig.

“He also recommended two players from Australia which the club is pursuing with vigour in readiness for next season.

“If Wayne thinks they're good then who are we to disagree? So watch this space.”

Fawcett said the club's Squadbuilder fund would help finance the additions should they come to fruition.

Bennett came in for criticism from sections of the media for his abrupt interview after England's win over Scotland last week.

But Fawcett said the 66-year-old Brisbane Broncos boss proved a fascinating guest as he regaled stories of his childhood through to his current coaching demands in front of a rapt audience at Cougar Park.

“The club was humbled and honoured to host Wayne," said the Keighley chief.

“His depth of knowledge within the sport is unparalleled and his quiet authority was amazing to experience.

“When he spoke you could have heard a pin drop in the room. It is the first time I have witnessed a completely quiet room at the Cougars!

Fawcett, meanwhile, paid tribute to former Cougars boss Jason Demetriou following his appointment as Bennett’s assistant at the Broncos.

The Australian has left his job as St George assistant to replace Stephen Kearney, who recently left the Broncos to take up the head-coaching post at the New Zealand Warriors.

Demetriou will relocate to Brisbane with his family to link up with Bennett at the Broncos, having made his name as a player-coach at Keighley before leaving at the end of 2012.

Fawcett said: “Jason's meteoric rise since being our head coach is remarkable and he's one step away from getting what is probably the top coaching job in the NRL. Everyone at Cougars sends him our congratulations.”