COUGARS chairman Gary Fawcett believes securing Matty Beharrell's contract extension until the end of 2018 is a 'statement of intent'.

The half-back has impressed massively so far in pre-season since joining from Swinton and the club has been quick to act to retain his services for an extra 12 months.

His new deal includes an undisclosed release clause should a Super League or Championship club want to sign Beharrell, who joins Will Milner and Adam Ryder in signing two-year deals.

Fawcett said: “We are delighted that Matty has agreed a new deal with the club for the 2018 season.

“Both Matty and his agent Craig Murdoch have been fantastic during negotiations and I am ecstatic that Matty sees his future in red, white and green.

“(Coach) Craig Lingard has earmarked a number of players he would like to tie down to deal for the 2018 season and we as a club are happy to do so as we look to continue building our progress into what we hope to be a long and successful future under 'Linners'.

“This is a statement of intent from Keighley Cougars as a club as, while other League One clubs battle to keep their star players, ours are happy to stay at Cougar Park.”