Former Leeds Star Josh Jordan-Roberts Joins Keighley Cougars Keighley 2026

Key Points

• Major U-Turn: Former Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls forward Josh Jordan-Roberts has dramatically reversed his retirement decision to sign a short-term contract with Betfred Championship side Keighley Cougars through the end of the 2026 season.
• Trio of Recruits: Jordan-Roberts headlines a triple signing at Cougar Park alongside outside-back Mac Walsh and versatile forward Brad Clavering.
• Overcoming Injury: The 27-year-old forward had originally announced his retirement from professional rugby league in November 2025 following a persistent knee injury during his tenure with Midlands Hurricanes.
• Reinforcing Squad Depth: The arrival of the new recruits comes at a critical juncture for Keighley, who lost forwards Lachlan Lanskey and Emmanuel Waine to midweek injuries during their rearranged fixture against Dewsbury Rams.
• Championship Campaign: Head Coach Ian Hardman aims to reinvigorate the Cougars, who currently occupy 16th position in the Championship table, six points adrift of the play-off places with five wins targetable in the closing stretch.
• Extensive Experience: The recruits bring substantial professional experience, with Jordan-Roberts entering his seventh professional club and Clavering boasting 81 career appearances.

Leeds Rhinos (The Leeds Times) August 1, 2026 – Keighley Cougars have completed a major mid-season transfer coup by securing the signatures of three new players, headlined by former Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls forward Josh Jordan-Roberts. The 27-year-old forward, who announced a premature end to his playing career in late 2025 due to a chronic knee problem, has officially u-turned on his retirement decision to sign a deal at Cougar Park running until the conclusion of the 2026 Betfred Championship season. Jordan-Roberts is joined in West Yorkshire by outside-back Mac Walsh and experienced pack member Brad Clavering, as head coach Ian Hardman moves swiftly to bolster his squad ahead of a crucial final month of the regular season.

The rapid recruitment drive comes in direct response to a mounting injury crisis within the Keighley forward pack. During midweek action against Dewsbury Rams, the Cougars suffered severe setbacks with both Lachlan Lanskey and Emmanuel Waine forced off with significant injuries. Positioned 16th in the Championship table and six points off the play-off positions after winning just four of their opening 19 matches, Keighley hope the fresh influx of talent will provide the necessary impetus to return to winning ways, starting with Sunday’s fixture against Midlands Hurricanes.

Who is Josh Jordan-Roberts and why has he reversed his retirement decision?

Josh Jordan-Roberts is a versatile forward who progressed through the youth academy of Super League heavyweights Leeds Rhinos, his hometown club. He made his senior debut for Leeds at the age of 18 during the 2016 season, appearing in a 37-12 victory over Leigh Centurions at Headingley in The Qualifiers. He made a second Super League appearance for the Rhinos the following July in an away fixture against Wigan Warriors.

Following his development years at Headingley, Jordan-Roberts established himself as a durable loose forward and second-rower in the lower divisions of English rugby league. Over a decade-long professional journey, he enjoyed notable spells at Bradford Bulls, York Knights, Hunslet, Rochdale Hornets, and Midlands Hurricanes.

As reported by journalist Ben Olawumi of Love Rugby League, Jordan-Roberts hung up his boots at the end of the 2025 season aged just 27 due to a long-standing knee issue. However, with his 28th birthday approaching later this month, the forward completed a surprising return to the sport by penning a short-term deal at Keighley, making the Cougars the seventh club of his professional career.

As reported by Ben Olawumi of Love Rugby League, Jordan-Roberts stated that:

“I feel very privileged to have played our sport at various levels, but after conversations regarding my health and future, taking time away was necessary. Returning to the game with Keighley presents an exciting challenge and a fresh opportunity to contribute to the squad.”

Who are Mac Walsh and Brad Clavering, the other two recruits joining Keighley Cougars?

While Jordan-Roberts commands much of the spotlight due to his top-flight background, Keighley Cougars’ double reinforcement in the form of Mac Walsh and Brad Clavering addresses key tactical requirements in both the backline and the forward pack.

Brad Clavering, aged 28, joins the Cougars from North Wales Crusaders. Clavering featured five times for the Crusaders during the early stages of the 2026 season amid financial and structural turbulence at the North Wales club. Possessing 81 senior career appearances, the prop/second-rower brings proven Championship and League 1 experience, having previously worn the shirts of York Knights, Hemel Stags, Midlands Hurricanes, and Hunslet.

Centre and outside-back Mac Walsh arrives at Cougar Park to add speed and dynamic edge work. Walsh has had previous stints at Newcastle Thunder, Whitehaven, and French outfit Toulouse Olympique. Walsh had been absent from the professional ranks of British rugby league since April 2025, when he completed his second appearance for Newcastle Thunder. His arrival offers much-needed backline flexibility for Ian Hardman’s side.

According to reports published by Total Rugby League, the arrival of the trio is designed to inject fresh energy into a squad stretched thin by mid-week demands and physical fatigue.

What statement did Midlands Hurricanes issue regarding Josh Jordan-Roberts’ previous retirement?

To understand the context of Jordan-Roberts’ return, it is necessary to examine his departure from his previous club. In November 2025, Midlands Hurricanes released an official club statement confirming that the second-rower was stepping away from professional rugby league.

In an official statement published by Midlands Hurricanes RLFC, the club outlined the circumstances surrounding his original retirement:

“We can confirm that following discussions with the Midlands Hurricanes coaching staff, second-rower Josh Jordan-Roberts has made the difficult decision to announce his retirement from professional rugby league with immediate effect. Josh made just under 150 professional career appearances over 10 seasons at Super League, Championship and League One level. Having joined the Hurricanes during the 2025 pre-season, Josh suffered an injury during our Challenge Cup tie against Salford Red Devils before returning to feature in ten further matches. Although the club exercised an option in his contract for 2026, Josh requested to step away to focus on his long-term health following a persistent knee injury and to look ahead to a new chapter following his marriage to his partner Brooke.”

Having taken nine months off to rest and manage the condition, medical clearances and discussions with Keighley management facilitated his surprise return to competitive action.

What did head coach Ian Hardman say about Keighley Cougars’ recent form and squad depth?

Keighley Cougars head coach Ian Hardman has maintained an optimistic outlook despite a tough sequence of results. The Cougars have struggled to string together consistent victories, recorded their last win in May, and suffered mid-week losses accompanied by heavy injury tolls.

According to coverage by Total Rugby League, Ian Hardman stated that:

“I think we can take a lot out of the last two games. I thought the team competed really well for the full 80 minutes, there have just been some critical moments we have not been able to capitalise on. There were some big momentum swings in those games that ultimately decided the outcome. In terms of our effort, our hard work, commitment and fight are key indicators of a team that is trying as hard as we can. We just need that little bit more quality in those moments.”

Hardman emphasized that adding Walsh, Clavering, and Jordan-Roberts gives the squad vital competition for places and immediate coverage for injured starters.

How does the triple signing impact Keighley Cougars’ RFL Championship campaign and play-off hopes?

With five rounds remaining in the Betfred Championship regular season, Keighley Cougars face a steep uphill battle to climb into play-off contention.

The additions of Jordan-Roberts and Clavering bring bulk and tackling efficiency to the middle unit, while Walsh provides defensive stability out wide. As Keighley prepare to travel to Alexander Stadium to face Midlands Hurricanes, all three recruits are in contention to make their club debuts.

What is the complete career history and statistics of Josh Jordan-Roberts across seven clubs?

Throughout his ten-year senior career, Josh Jordan-Roberts has established a reputation as a dependable forward. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of his professional appearances and scoring record across all competitions:

With 147 career appearances and 174 total points under his belt, Jordan-Roberts brings proven big-game experience to Cougar Park as Keighley attempt to finish their season on a high note.