COUGARS have signed centre Eze Harper following his release from Super League Leigh.

The utility back, who can also play on the wing, scored one try in three appearances for Centurions in their promotion season last year.

But he is no stranger to League One, having notched 11 tries in 12 games during a loan spell with Barrow Raiders, featuring in their play-off final defeat to Toulouse Olympique.

Keighley head coach Craig Lingard said: “The addition of Eze fills the gap I’ve been looking to fill in the centre position and adds more depth to our squad.

“He has pedigree coming from a successful full-time environment at Leigh Centurions and a proven record when it comes to try-scoring in the Championship with Leigh and then in League One during his loan spell last season with Barrow.

“With Adam Ryder signing last week, the competition for places in the centres is now there and I’m sure he will be a welcome addition to the squad and to the club.”

Harper, who has been given the number 33 jersey, turned down offers from other clubs prior to signing with Cougars and was in attendance for the 82-12 victory over Hunslet Warriors.

He scored in both Barrow’s victories against Cougars last season, bagging a try in the 32-34 victory at Keighley and the 26-18 win at the JF Hornby Stadium.