Brendon’s coming ‘home’ – at last! : Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:04 am
Keighley Cougars now have confirmation that their Australian prop forward Brendon Rawlins will be returning to Cougar Park for this season.
Rawlins went back to Australia in February to complete his visa arrangements but it wasn’t until yesterday that the process was completed, almost four months later.
The prop forward was originally refused sponsorship for a work permit by the RFL, but that decision was reversed following an appeal.
The UK Border Agency insisted that Brendon returned to Australia to complete his application.
Rawlins, who has not played Rugby League since last year, is now expected to rejoin the Cougars next week.
Helen Carter, the Keighley Cougars General Manager, said: “It has been a tortuous process which has been difficult for both the club and Brendon, and we’re still not quite sure why it has taken so long for the application to be completed.
“We’re grateful for the High Commission in Canberra for assisting us in freeing the log jam and look forward to Brendon returning to Cougar Park.”.
Barry Eaton, the Keighley Cougars Head Coach, said: “Having Brendon back in the first-team squad will step up the competition for places and, as I’ve said before, that’s no bad thing as far as any professional Rugby League club is concerned.
“Brendon will be coming back to us at the business end of the season when we are trying to secure a place in the Co-operative Championship One play-offs but, first he will have to prove his general fitness standards are up to scratch before we can draft him into the side”.
