LOCAL boy Richard Moore was head and shoulders above the rest as Cougars crashed to Sheffield last weekend - and another Super League player was expected to join the club before Sunday's game.

Coach Gary Moorby was remaining tight-lipped.about the identity of the experienced player, but confirmed he will step straight into the squad if the deal goes ahead.

"We are very close to reaching an agreement which would bring him to the club on a loan deal. I can't reveal his identity at this stage, but he is a very experienced centre," Moorby said.

Richard Moore shone in his first senior performance for his home town club.

He was brought in on loan from Bradford Bulls and impressed with a performance which was a beacon of hope as Sheffield Eagles ran riot.

"We used the video of Richard's performance to show what everyone in the team should be doing. He gave the Sheffield side no respect and was a credit to the club and to the town," Moorby said.

He was hoping to sign more players to the squad and also hoped to see Jason Ramshaw back in the action against Featherstone on Sunday.

"He is a superb player and a very experienced performer and I have made him part of the coaching team. He has some very good ideas and can play a big part in getting the team back on track," he said.

This week the players were called in for training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, and will also be in action again tonight as they prepare to take on Featherstone at home on Sunday at 3pm.

"On Tuesday evening we watched a video of the game and all the players were asked to grade their own performance. They were very honest, but are all determined to improve," he said.

Keighley fitness expert Paul Royston, owner of Workouts Health Club on Oxford Road, has also offered to help get the best out of the players.

"He has a wealth of expertise and is a tremendous untapped resource for the club and I have brought him onto the coaching staff with special responsibility as strength and nutritional conditioner.

"He will work out diets for the lads and prepare fitness and weight training programmes so everyone in the squad is working to their maximum potential," Moorby said.

Paul Royston added: "It is great to be involved with the club. Players have used our gym in the past, but now I will be more involved in setting the getting them working properly.

"I also hope to help improve the Cougar Park gym and make it real community facility which can be used by other sporting clubs in the area."