Jason Demetriou has hailed the capture of Michael Korkidas as a “massive statement of intent” as the Cougars gear up for their return to the Championship.

Player-coach Demetriou has moved quickly to bolster his squad following the club’s thumping win over Workington in the Championship One play-off final earlier this month.

Having brought half-back Danny Jones back to Cougar Park from Halifax, Demetriou has caused a major splash by persuading former Wakefield ace Korkidas to sign a one-year deal.

He has also recruited Paul March from Hunslet, Halifax forward Neil Cherryholme and Bulls academy prop Lewis Reed – but it is the signing of Korkidas which has caused the biggest stir.

The 30-year-old prop, like Demetriou an Australian with Greek heritage, has a wealth of experience at the highest level, having enjoyed two stints at Wakefield and spells with Salford, Castleford and Huddersfield.

“Signing Michael Korkidas is huge for Keighley Cougars and a massive statement of intent about our ambitions as a club,” said Demetriou.

“Michael came to our last few games of the season and was at the play-off final against Workington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“He took a while deciding whether to accept the offer but eventually accepted it and we are delighted.

“I know him well. He’s a good friend of mine and has been one of the top props in Super League for many years.

“To get him here is a major coup and the go-forward that he will give us is guaranteed to boost the side massively next season.

“But it’s not just his quality as a player, he’s a quality person and will bring a lot of desire, experience and knowledge to the group.”

Demetriou is more than happy with his other signings, while the 35-year-old revealed he has yet to decide whether to continue playing next season or hang up his boots.

He said: “I’ve not made a decision as yet. If I do play, it will be in the second row and not in the halves because the Championship is a step up in standard from Championship One and I’m not getting any younger.

“More to the point, we have a number of quality halves to choose from now.

“Danny Jones is a proven Championship performer who we are delighted to bring back to the club. He knows he’s coming back to Cougar Park with the club in a stronger position than when he left.

“Paul March has played in Super League and did a good job at Hunslet, plus we have Jy-mel Coleman as well. Jy-mel was outstanding at the end of the season and played a major role in the club’s promotion success.”

Coleman, who has been on international duty with Jamaica alongside team-mate Jamaine Wray, is set to be handed a new deal after his existing contract expired at the end of the season.

“Jy-mel is a Yorkshire lad but he’s still living and working in London following his time at London Skolars,” said Demetriou.

“He was traveling up to Keighley for games last season but it’s not ideal and we’d like him to get a job up here so he can be based up here again. We’re helping him out in terms of trying to find a job in this area.”

Demetriou has handed several of his squad members new deals and hopes to add Coleman to that number.

He said: “Jy-mel is a very talented young player and will benefit from the experience of Danny Jones and Paul March. The squad is shaping up nicely and things are looking good.”