Keighley Cougars player-coach Jason Demetriou believes his side’s trip to French side Toulouse can provide an ideal bonding experience for his new-look squad.

But victory in tomorrow’s Northern Rail Cup tie (4.30pm) is the overriding objective after his side lost their opening match 22-16 to Batley.

The team met at 3am at Cougar Park today before an early-morning flight from Liverpool and will fly back on Sunday afternoon.

Demetriou said: “It’s a big sacrifice for the players, a number of whom are taking one or two days off work.

“In that respect, some of them could be losing out on wages and that shows their commitment to the cause.

“It’s a hectic schedule but having the opportunity to bond together, the flights, sharing rooms together, is good for team spirit.”

Cougars are boosted by the return of Ollie Pursglove for the match after he was absent from last week’s defeat with an ankle injury.

However, winger Semi Tadulala will be absent as he is currently without a passport.

Demetriou said: “We’ve known for a while that we would be without Semi due to his passport being with immigration but we’re still looking strong squad-wise.”

Before departing, the Aussie chief added: “We’re looking forward to the trip but it’s not a holiday. Our job is to play rugby and get results. That’s what we’re going there for.

“If you win three out of four group games then you’ve a very good chance of going through. You could possibly do it with two wins but we don’t want to leave it to chance.

“One of our goals is to get through to the knockout stage, so that means we’re going all out for the points.”

Toulouse Olympique centre Greg White was in confident mood, saying: “Keighley have a better team than last year but they’ve not played many games and I’m confident we can win.”