Keighley are a sleeping giant, says Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e

Keighley’s new signing Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e believes the Cougars are a club on the rise.

The 36-year-old full-back has joined the League 1 side on a two-year deal from Newcastle Thunder.

Laulu-Togaga’e says the Cougars are a “sleeping giant” and is excited by club’s potential.

He said: “From talking to Rhyse (Lovegrove, coach) and hear about what the club are building got me really excited. He wants some of the senior boys to help the younger boys.

“I feel like Keighley are a sleeping giant. I think if we can become successful as a club, then we will get a lot more people at the games. I feel excited with what he have planned and I wanted to jump on board.

“From coming here, seeing the culture and meeting the backroom staff, I’ve absolutely loved it from the short time I’ve been here.

“Right now we are in a good position, everyone behind the scenes are doing a great job and we are progressing nicely ahead of the first trial match.”

QLT became a club legend at Sheffield, scoring 183 tries in 218 appearances for the Eagles before spells with Toronto, Halifax, Castleford and Newcastle.

It has been a year since the experienced full-back last played a game after the 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic – but he believes the time off has been a blessing in disguise for himself.

He said: “It has been well over a year but it has kind of been a blessing.

“I’m not getting any younger although it doesn’t look like it! I’m really excited to get back playing some footy. We’ve got Bradford in our first trial game and I will try to put my best foot forward.

READ: How an open-minded culture is spearheading Keighley’s League 1 push

“From talking to some of the senior players like Scott Murrell and Jake Webster, not playing for the last year or so just gives us that fresh life in our legs and I’m really excited to see Muzza play and what he can do on the field.

“I love to try and help develop the younger boys who are coming through and help get them reach their potential. When I do retire I’d like to see those boys come through and play the best footy they can play.”

READ: Keighley confirm 2021 squad numbers

The former Samoa international would like to help the Cougars gain promotion to the Championship this year.

He added: “We are quietly confident within our own playing group otherwise we wouldn’t be playing if we weren’t aiming for promotion.

“We have to work week in, week out, and try and get the little things right to reach our goal at the end.”

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