Jason Demetriou will bask in the glory of the Cougars’ promotion before speaking to his wife Natalie and deciding whether to hang up his boots or continue playing.

The Cougars player-coach was typically influential during his side’s stunning 32-12 victory over Workington in the Championship One play-off final.

Even at 35, Demetriou’s ability and fitness remain obvious and it was little surprise to see him land the man-of-the-match honours after he orchestrated last weekend’s victory.

Demetriou has acclimatised to the demands of his player-coach role in style but he remains undecided about the prospect of prolonging his playing days in the Championship next season.

The former Super League star, who captained Wakefield Wildcats for seven years, said: “This is just as special as anything I did in Super League.

“I knew what it meant for everyone here at Keighley and I’m so proud of the players. They were awesome.

“As for next year, I’m not sure yet. It will depend on the type of players I can get and how my body feels.

“I still feel I’ve got something to offer but I can’t keep pumping painkillers in for ever.

“I’ve got a holiday with the wife and family and will speak to her about it.

“I’ve got three beautiful kids to think of and if I can focus on coaching I’ll probably retire. But I’m in in no hurry to decide.”

Demetriou added: “I’m massively looking forward to next season already and we’ll enjoy what we’ve achieved and then come back for pre-season training in mid-November.

“We’re going to have a really tough pre-season because we want to get out there and really stamp our mark on the Championship.”

Last weekend’s promotion success was Demetriou’s first trophy in ten years after he won the Northern Ford Premiership with Widnes in 2001.

That success helped to shape Demetriou’s career in England. He explained: “That Widnes game was a massive day for me as it gave me the chance to play professional rugby league and I said there’s no way I’d let it slip.

“This promotion is just as big and just as important in terms of coaching. There’s no way I’ll let this opportunity slip either.”