KEIGHLEY Cougars have released Jack Arnold from his playing contract with the club.

Over the weekend, Arnold communicated to head of rugby Andrew Henderson that he wished to be released from the remainder of his contract, with the club agreeing to grant this request.

Joining the club ahead of the 2019 season from community club Upton following a successful trial period, Arnold broke into the first team under then head coach Craig Lingard.

Following the departure of Lingard and appointment of current head coach Rhys Lovegrove, he featured regularly throughout his first season at Cougar Park, prior to being suspended following an incident during a home defeat to Hunslet.

The suspension and the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in Arnold not featuring again for the club until the 2021 Joe Phillips Memorial Trophy defeat to the Bradford Bulls, his first game of rugby league in 19 months.

Injuries and a further suspension led to a stop-start season for Arnold as the club reached the play-offs for the first time in six seasons.

The qualifying semi-final victory away at North Wales Crusaders proved to be his final game for the club but prior to that, he scored his only Cougars try in last August’s away victory at the London Skolars.

The prop forward departs Cougar Park with a record of one try in 17 appearances.

The club have placed on record their thanks to Arnold for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavours.