KEIGHLEY Cougars’ star forward Brenden Santi has been granted an early release from his contract, with an offer from York Knights too good to turn down, The Press understands.

A professional player at Keighley, the versatile forward, who can play at prop, second-row or loose forward, will be a fantastic addition to the injury-hit Knights – who already have forwards Jordan Thompson, Pauli Pauli and Danny Kirmond sidelined.

Following the Knights’ 14-8 defeat at Batley Bulldogs, head coach Andrew Henderson admitted that he would have to offset the Knights’ injury woes by dipping into the transfer market – with the Italian international perfectly fitting the bill.

Santi, 29, has made 47 appearances for the Cougars after making the move from Newcastle Thunder ahead of the 2021 season, playing an integral role in their Betfred League One Invincibles season and subsequent promotion to the Betfred Championship for 2023.

The Australian-born forward began his career at Wests Tigers, for whom he made his NRL debut in 2014, before making the move to Toulouse Olympique in 2019.

On the international stage, he has 15 caps for Italy and has represented them in the last three Rugby League World Cups.

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Santi’s departure marks another huge blow to Henderson’s former club, who both lost former Man of Steel Luke Gale to Betfred Super League strugglers Wakefield Trinity and sacked head coach Rhys Lovegrove last month.

Explaining the club’s decision to release Santi from his contract early, CEO Ryan O’Neill said: “It is with regret that Brenden is to leave the club with immediate effect with an offer that would be difficult for anyone to turn down.

“I have gone on record over the last 2-3 weeks and said that if a player has his head turned then it’s time to let him move on as it’s impossible to focus on the job at hand.

“Brenden has been a fine example of player for Keighley both on and off the field and I, and the board wish him well in his new move.”

Santi admitted that the opportunity to move clubs in order to prevent his career from stagnating had been a difficult one.

“I would like to thank the club, the O’Neill family, and Ryan and Kaue (managing director Kaue Garcia) personally for everything that has been done for me during my time here,” he said.

“The generosity and support during my time at Keighley has been greatly appreciated, and this decision is not one that I have made easily”.

“To the fans, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have welcomed me to the town and taken me in as one of your own and for that I am ever grateful.

“I realise this will be an unpopular decision with fans but I felt it was one I had to make to ensure I didn’t stagnate as a player.”