Keighley snap up Parata

Keighley have announced the signing of former Cronulla Sharks utility back Matt Parata.

A highly rated former Kiwi Junior who can play on the wing and in the centres, Parata has also played for Wests Tigers and is set to make his Cougars bow in the pre-season friendly against Bradford on Friday night.

In 2009 he was rumoured to be singing for Whitehaven but the move never materialised due to not receiving his Italian passport in time, something he now has, enabling him to make the move to Cougar Park.

Coach Jason Demetriou said: “I am extremely happy to have him on board as he strengthens our 3/4 line, we now have strong competition in every position on the field. I am playing a full strength squad on Friday night and it will be the first time our supporters will see all the new signings on the field together.

“Pre-season is heating up now and the players are really pushing to get themselves in the squad, the Coaching team will be looking for the players to tighten up and pick up their intensity.

“We are all getting excited, as the start of the Northern Rail cup is just over two weeks away and the competition for a starting place is sure to bring the best out of the players.”

The Cougars have secured a strong squad ahead of the new season with Parata joining up with other high profile signings such as Michael Korkidas, Sam Obst, Paul March, Richie Barnett and Semi Tadulala.