Championship outfit Keighley Cougars have confirmed that former NRL man Mark Ioane has left the club with immediate effect.
The decision comes on the back of a request from the player to be released from his contract.
Of course, Ioane’s loss comes as a huge blow to Keighley, especially with just over a week to go until they kick off their Championship season with a home game against Goole Vikings. However, the club have confirmed that they have made additional budget available to ensure the Cougars can add to their squad and strengthen following Ioane’s departure.
As such, Dan Burton, who has been appointed this week has taken on the head coach role on an interim basis following the departure of Alan Kilshaw, will be allowed to make his mark on the squad.
Ioane has spent the last three seasons at Keighley, making 66 appearances and scoring 17 tries. He had three seasons with Leigh Centurions before that and after making the move to England from the NRL in 2016, he had four years with London Broncos, ensuring he has made over 200 appearances in the Northern Hemisphere.
Prior to that he had spells with Gold Coast Titans and St George Illawarra Dragons.
His next steps remain unknown, but Keighley’s press release included a message from the 35-year-old as he leaves the club.
“Thank you to all involved at Keighley, from staff to players, for the past few years,” he said. “Not an easy decision, but respect to the club for acknowledging my situation.
“Special mention to the fans for their unwavering support as always — my family and I have always appreciated it. All the best.”
Ioane isn’t the first player to leave Keighley in the build up to the campaign with Brad England making the switch to North Wales Crusaders last month. Billy Walkley, Harry Bowes, Junior Sa’u, Lewis Hatton, Andy Gabriel, Max Lambourne and Bobby Hartley have also departed.
The Cougars have managed to add to their squad with the signings of Dylan Proud, Max Clarke, Leo Skerrett-Evans, Alfie Dean, Waldimar Matahahwa, Dee Foggin-Johnston, Nathan Rushworth and Lucas Green and seemingly more signings can now be expected.
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
