The Cougars can rest easy after it emerged influential full back Gavin Duffy has not broken his ankle.

The teenager was carried off in the match against Keighley ARL on Tuesday, having been badly crocked during the first half.

Duffy was taken to Airedale Hospital but player-boss Barry Eaton has now reported there is no serious problem.

Eaton said: "It's great news. Gavin had an x-ray but the doctors don't think there's any break or fracture, which was what we all originally feared.

"It's not as bad as that and he was sent home with a badly-sprained ankle. We'll monitor it now and obviously he'll be a doubt for the Batley game a week on Sunday but it's not going to be long term."

The 19-year-old proved a big hit during his first full season last year with his exciting attacking style.

"Gavin came on absolutely fantastically last year and showed the same qualities in the friendly against Halifax and in that first half on Tuesday," said Eaton.

"He really returns the ball well and has a wonderful side-step. Losing him so close to the new season would have been a massive blow as he is now our first-choice full back."

Meanwhile, Eaton was due to pick up new Australian signing Brendan Rawlins from the airport this morning, with the Wests Tigers prop set to attend his first training session tonight.