Keighley Cougars’ captain James ‘Buster’ Feather kicks off his testimonial year tomorrow night with a launch evening in the club’s Hall of Fame bar (7.30pm).

Feather was awarded a 12-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League to mark his ten years of service – a remarkable achievement these days – to his home-town team.

He started on the wing for Keighley Cougars Cubs as an eight-year-old, moving up the grades until at age 17 he progressed to local amateurs Keighley Albion, where he spent two seasons.

Feather was then spotted by his childhood hero Paul Moses, who signed him for the Academy side at Cougars.

When Barry Eaton came to the club, Buster made his first-team début, thinking that if he could just play one game for Cougars he could say he had “made it!”

Now approaching 200 games for Cougars and well past the 100-points mark, the 28-year-old can look back on many great days for his beloved Cougars, including lifting a trophy on two occasions.

And when – hopefully many days hence – Feather eventually hangs up his boots, his ambition is to coach the Cougars!

Many testimonial events are being planned, including a golf day, gentleman and ladies’ evenings and a race night, as well as a testimonial game.

However, tomorrow a special ale called Buster’s Brew will be on tap, while Buster’s Bangers have been provided by GW Meats.

Other items will be on sale such as a testimonial brochure and special testimonial shirt. All fans are welcome and entry is free.

There will also be a question-and-answer session and a band.

Feather made his Cougars debut in the Northern Rail Cup on February 26, 2006 at home to Oldham, and has totalled 196 matches, including 105 in succession, but only nine as a substitute.

He has 30 tries and made most appearances in four seasons.

* Player-coach Paul March has been charged with committing the Grade B offence of using foul and abusive language towards a match official after being sent off during last Thursday’s heavy defeat at Featherstone.