The Cougars’ recruitment drive is underway after boss Barry Eaton completed a signing hat-trick.

Former Bulls junior Rick Barr and Dewsbury half-back Ryan Smith have both arrived at Cougar Park, while promising junior Jamie Stephenson has penned his first senior deal.

Barr’s signing sees the 20-year-old back-rower return to his roots, having come through the Cougars scholarship scheme.

The Keighley-born star departed for neighbours Bradford in 2008 and was highly-rated at Odsal, becoming a regular in the club’s reserves until a serious back injury halted his progress this year.

But Eaton has handed him a chance to get his career back on track with a one-year deal.

“It’s really pleasing,” said the Cougars chief. “I’m glad to get Rick signed up because I was really disappointed to lose him three years ago.

“He was our top scholar and a top playmaker and would have progressed to the first team.

“He’s had a few injuries but I don’t think he was that far away from being kept on at Bradford.”

Smith meanwhile fills the gap at stand-off left by Jonny Presley, who is expected to sign for York.

Eaton is keen to improve options at half-back after the former Widnes and Batley star was forced to come out of semi-retirement himself on three occasions this year.

But he has now decided to hang his boots up for good and hopes Smith, Luke Helliwell and Danny Jones can provide ample cover in the halves.

He said: “We only had two out-and-out half-backs last year so we needed more competition for places.

“Ryan likes to play at the line, he’s quick and he doesn’t mind the physical side of the game.”

Back-rower or centre Stephenson is the son of Keighley legend Phil Stephenson and was the winner of the Eddie Andrews Trophy this year as the outstanding player on the Cougars scholarship.

The 16-year-old is a current member of Keighley Cougar Cubs’ successful under-18 National Youth League squad.