KEIGHLEY COUGARS captain Matty Beharrell says rewarding fans’ loyalty with a far-stronger season is the main priority for 2026.
The 31-year-old former Hull KR, Newcastle Thunder, Swinton, Doncaster Dewsbury and Hunslet halfback has been handed the armband by coach Alan Kilshaw.
Previously at Cougar Park from 2017 to the middle of 2018, Hull-born Beharrell began a second spell at the club partway through the 2025 campaign, spelling a reunion with Kilshaw, under whom he played at Hunslet.
It was a testing season, with early coaching upheaval (Kilshaw wasn’t appointed until April) and a final position of ninth in League One, with only Newcastle below.
Beharrell, who played nine times after joining in June, believes a restructured squad is capable of far better.
“Last season was poor, and the fans deserve better,” he said.
“And I know we will be much better with a full pre-season under Alan.
“It’s a privilege and honour to be named captain of this great club and something I’m really looking forward to.
“I know what it means to play for Keighley and how passionate the fans are here. This season is more about action on the pitch rather than talk off it,”
Experienced hooker George Flanagan, 39 and going into his second full campaign since switching from Bradford, has been made club captain.
Kilshaw commented: “Matty has been appointed in recognition of his on-field leadership, work ethic and the influence he has within the playing group.
“George will serve as club captain, a role reflecting his professionalism, character and ability to uphold and drive the standards of the club on and off the field.
“We have moved away from an off-field leadership group as we want to encourage all players to take ownership and be drivers of standards and connections away from the pitch.”