EZE Harper has opted against joining Cougars in favour of Championship club Sheffield Eagles.

The utility back was due to sign a contract to join Keighley last week following his release from Leigh Centurions but had a late change of mind.

Cougars head coach Craig Lingard said: "He's decided he is going to Sheffield and we wish him all the best. I've got nothing negative to say about the player.

"Sheffield have come in and done a good sales pitch on him and he has decided to go there.

"We'll stick with what we've got. I don't want players who don't want to be here.

"I spoke with Eze on Saturday morning and said 'I am not going to try and persuade you to stay. If you want to stay you will and if you want to go to Sheffield you'll do that' and he's gone there."

A Cougars club statement read: "While obviously disappointed with this development, Keighley Cougars would like to wish Harper all the best with his new club and will now be looking to add to the squad should the right player become available to us."