The Cougars have finally completed the signing of Australian prop Brendan Rawlins - with a little help from former Wigan and Great Britain stand-off Nigel Wright.

Player-coach Barry Eaton has revealed the identity of the Wests Tigers front-rower he has long been chasing after announcing Rawlins, 21, will be joining for the 2007 campaign.

He reckons the player will be a "star of National League Two" having scoured DVDs of the giant prop in action.

Cougars boss Peter Roe also spoke to Rawlins in Sydney while former Wakefield ace Wright - who had to retire early due to a serious knee injury - has done further homework on the overseas recruit.

"I played all my junior rugby with Nigel at Stanley Rangers and he's now out in Australia coaching with Brett Kenny at Penrith Panthers," Eaton explained.

"I asked him if he could give Rawlins the once over for us and he has done.

"He's come up against Brendan in the reserve grades, done some checks on him and spoken to a couple of chief executives.

"Nige came back with a glowing report and hopefully Rawlins will now be a massive signing for the Cougars.

"This, among the signings made so far, certainly shows that we are trying to make strides in the right direction to compete at the top end of National League Two."

Rawlins becomes the club's sixth new addition while Eaton admits he is also chasing an Australian three-quarter to complete their recruitment.

Rawlins - who weighs in at 17-and-a-half stone - has been playing in the Wests Tigers reserve side but now comes to England looking to make a big impact with the Cougars, possibly making his debut against Batley in a friendly on January 28.

"He won't arrive until January 20 and it'll take him a while to settle in but once he does I'm sure he'll be a great addition," Eaton said.

"He'll probably get some game time against Batley and then play against the Bulls the following week before our Northern Rail Cup campaign starts."