KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced the signing of Bradley Ho from neighbours Bradford Bulls.

Ho, a prop forward, arrives at Cougar Park from Odsal on a season-long loan ahead of the 2022 League 1 season.

“We are really pleased to have secured the services of Brad Ho for the coming season and thank Bradford for supporting this move for the player,” said head of rugby Andrew Henderson.

“Brad has come through a good system with Bradford and has already gained experience playing in League 1 previously, which helps.

“After doing our due diligence and watching him play recently in Bradford’s pre-season friendlies, Rhys and I felt he was the right type of player and person to bring to the club, and we thank Bradford for supporting this.

“Brad is a strong ball carrier and is effective in the contact area, but as with every young player, he has areas to develop in his game which we feel can be achieved in our performance environment.

“He will definitely add a different dynamic to our pack and will be challenging our current middle unit for a position in this team.”

A product of the Bulls academy, Ho became a regular standout performer for the Under-18s and reserves side as he made his way through the system at Odsal.

His impressive performances at reserve grade level caught the eye of John Kear, who awarded the young forward with a first team contract ahead of the 2020 season.

Despite the pandemic curtailing that season, he had firmly made a mark and Kear rewarded the 21-year-old with a new contract ahead of the last campaign.

After featuring in the Joe Phillips Memorial Trophy victory over the Cougars, first-team opportunities proved limited and Ho moved into League 1 and join the Coventry Bears, now known as Midlands Hurricanes, on a season-long loan.

During his year at the Butts Park Arena, Ho impressed as the Bears pushed for a play-off place, which included two man of the match performances against the Cougars, catching the eye of Lovegrove.

His performances for Coventry saw Bradford opt to recall the prop from his loan early and hand him his competitive debut in his hometown club’s colours in the August victory over the Swinton Lions.

With his stock continuing to rise at Odsal, Ho was awarded a new two-year contract until the end of the 2023 season.

However, his need for game time prompted the Bulls to again send him out on loan for 2022.

As a part of the deal that has allowed Ho to join the Cougars, the two clubs have agreed a reserves dual-registration agreement that will allow Keighley players requiring game time an opportunity to play for Bradford in the Reserves Championship.

Ho has been allocated the number 32 jersey for Cougars for the forthcoming campaign.