Demetriou wants quick response from Cougars on big TV date (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Demetriou wants quick response from Cougars on big TV date

10:00am Thursday 17th May 2012 in Cougars By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Jason Demetriou believes tonight’s televised clash with Swinton offers his club an outstanding opportunity to prove that Cougarmania is on the rise again.

Cougars face their promotion rivals from last season in front of the Premier Sports cameras, and Demetriou is urging them to return to winning ways.

His men were beaten 29-22 in a close-fought affair at Dewsbury in their last outing, and the Cougars player-coach is demanding an immediate response.

Despite their defeat to the Rams, Cougars have made massive strides in the past year, and now Demetriou wants his players to underline that progress with a victory.

He said: “After a disappointing result against Dewsbury, we are now focused on our first television appearance of 2012.

“What I want from the players is a certain level of performance each week, and too many of them fell short of that against Dewsbury.

“But this is a chance to make amends in front of our own supporters.

“We know all about Swinton and the threats that they pose as we beat them home and away last season.

“However, we were still behind them when it mattered at the end of the season and they gained automatic promotion ahead of us.

“They too like us have strengthened really well and brought in players with Super League quality and experience in Chaz I'Anson, David Mills and Kevin Penny.

“They will pose a lot of attacking threats off the back of their general Ian Watson.

“We will focus on ourselves and get back to the level of performance and attitude we know we are capable of.

“This will be a chance for the Keighley public to get behind us and show all of rugby league that Cougarmania is on the rise again.”

Cougars are in decent health ahead of the visit of the Lions, and Demetriou admits not having a game last weekend has given him an advantage over opposite number Steve McCormack.

Demetriou added: “We will have Andy Shickell, Brendon Rawlins, Danny Lawton and Paul March all back in contention for first-team places.”

Demetriou has distanced himself from a move for Warrington forward and ex-Wakefield team-mate David Solomona but he is keen to add to his squad.

He added: “I’m trying to secure the services of a back-row or centre with a lot of Super League experience.

“I’m just awaiting some news on funding.”