Rawlins has been forced to miss over half the season

Australian Brendon Rawlins has finally returned to Keighley Cougars after being granted a work permit.

The prop has been waiting in his homeland for five months for his visa to be processed, despite playing for the Cougars for the last two years.

"There were times when I thought I was never going to be allowed to return," admitted Brendon.

"I was becoming pretty despondent and I'm really grateful for everybody in Keighley standing by me."

Rawlins was initially refused supported player status by the Rugby Football League but that decision was reversed on appeal.

Not only is he a good player in his own right, he is widely respected within the Keighley community and has a great rapport with our fans Keighley Cougars general manager Helen Carter

He went back to Australia at the end of February after the UK Border Agency insisted he returned down under to complete his application process.

But, until a little more than two weeks ago, there was no progress with his visa application.

The Cougars had appealed to the RFL and Keighley's MP Ann Cryer for help on behalf of Brendon, without being able to find out what was causing the hold-up.

Cougars general manager Helen Carter said: "It's so good to have Brendon back at the club.

"Not only is he a good player in his own right, he is widely respected within the Keighley community and has a great rapport with our fans.

"We fought hard to bring him back because he's valuable to this club and it's great to have him back in the Cougar family."

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