And two of their key players over the last few years have now completed a cross-Championship switch.

Swinton Lions announced five new signings earlier this week, one of which was winger Brad Holroyd.

He was Cougars’ top try scorer last season, crossing the whitewash 16 times.

It is a blow for Keighley to lose Holroyd, someone with real Championship know-how, having also featured for Widnes and Workington in the past.

This is his second spell at Swinton too, so he already has some familiarity with Heywood Road.

Swinton head coach Anthony Murray said: “We felt it was important to bolster our outside backs with some experience, and Brad fits that bill perfectly.”

The Lions have also brought in another former Cougars player in Lloyd Roby, who made 16 appearances for Keighley in 2023, when they were in the Championship after being promoted from the then League One.

But someone who made more of a lasting impact at Cougars was popular second row Lachlan Lanskey, who is also on the move ahead of 2027.

Lachlan Lanskey (right) celebrates with Cougars team-mate Alfie Dean after a try against Halifax in May. (Image: Shaun Harrison)

The Australian moved to the UK ahead of the 2023 season, but he found a home with Keighley, where he had spent the last three years.

He made 54 appearances for Cougars, scoring nine tries in total.

But the international forward, who plays for Ireland due to his heritage, has now left Cougar Park and signed for Rochdale Hornets.

He told Rochdale’s club website: “I'm really happy to be getting on board for the 2027 season.

“After having a chat with (head coach) Gary Thornton and (chairman) Andy Mazey, I really liked their plans for next year.

“They have built a great squad which I’m keen to be a part of, and hopefully I can add some value.”

Keighley have already signed nine new players for next season, while only Matty Beharrell, Jack Teanby, David Foggin-Johnston, Dan Parker, Nathan Rushworth and Leo Skerrett-Evans have been confirmed as retentions so far from 2026.