Louis poised for Titans' return

McGowan has spent a difficult couple of years at Coventry after leaving Rotherham, where he developed into a quality performer during Andre Bester’s previous reign at the club.

But following Coventry’s relegation and Bester’s return to the Titans, second row McGowan has been offered a contract to come back to the club where he spent four successful years.

His career did suffer a downturn after switching to Butts Park Arena, where he made 14 starts last term in a poor side, but Bester believes the Liverpudlian can get back to his best form.

“Louis knows all about me and I know all about Louis,” said Bester. “I know what he is capable of and it is better than what he was doing at Coventry.

“This is his chance to get back to where he was and if I didn’t think he could do it then I wouldn’t bring him in. Louis is a strong scrummager and he will be a good acquisition.”

But McGowan’s imminent return has been tempered by the surprise exit of Challinor.

The Dinnington pack-man initially rejected a lucrative offer from Doncaster to give Bester a verbal agreement to a deal to remain at Clifton Lane.

But at the end of last week—after Rotherham announced his signature—Challinor announced he would be heading to Castle Park.

It’s a move which has disappointed Bester.

“He gave me his word and then turned around and said the deal was off, although he did apologise for messing us around,” said Bester.