Hunslet Hawks 22, Keighley Cougars 4

Cougars chief Jason Demetriou reckons Hunslet were flattered by their win in today’s friendly at the John Charles Centre of Sport.

The Australian still sees huge room for improvement in his side, particularly in their execution, but is pleased with the progress made so far.

Defeat to the Hawks was the Cougars’ first of pre-season, following wins against Rochdale and a Keighley Amateur Select side, and Demetriou believes it could have been a different story.

“There wasn’t really much in it,” he said. “They scored a try from a lucky deflection and we bombed a few chances to score ourselves.

“For large parts we were dominant but it was just our discipline and ball control that let us down.

“Defensively we were outstanding again.

“In the middle part of the first half we dominated, so they started to niggle us a bit and we didn’t handle it very well.”

Demetriou made a host of changes as he continues to get to grips with the squad.

Having been in the job for just four weeks, he admits he is still learning about his players but knows the lack of continuity in team selection has not helped on-field cohesion.

He said: “I told them they would all play a part in two of the friendlies and that’s probably not helping us.

“But there’s no other way of doing it. I’ve got to give everyone a fair crack because I’m new to the club.”

Gav Duffy scored Cougars’ try after a great run from Jamaine Wray.

Demetriou himself saw his debut delayed for another week after his playing registration was not cleared in time.

But the former Wakefield back-rower hopes to finally make his bow in Friday’s clash with Bradford Bulls at Cougar Park.