Cougars facing rugged challenge

4:24pm Friday 7th March 2008

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The Cougars are expecting a hugely-physical contest against French big guns Toulouse in Sunday's Carnegie Challenge Cup third-round tie.

Boss Barry Eaton admits he knows little about their opponents, having struggled to get DVD footage of them this week.

But he realises his side must muscle up if they are going to make it through to the draw for the next round - and a potential Super League match-up.

"I've spoken to a few people about Toulouse and we do know that they are a physical team," said Eaton.

"They like to get in your faces, spoil your tactics and are very rugged. We have to meet them up front but I'm sure we can.

"Toulouse are applying for a Super League franchise but they are halfway down the French Championship at the moment, losing as many as they have won.

"From what we've gathered, they can be as good as any National League side on their day but equally as bad as any too. We're hoping they'll be the latter this weekend.

"We're going in a bit blind but we know it's a game we can win and we're going out there to do just that."

Keighley are in confident mood, despite their 32-16 loss against Whitehaven last week.

Eaton rung the changes for that fixture following the midweek match at Halifax and was impressed by those who came in.

"Adam Mitchell did a sound job at scrum half and he'll definitely be playing against Toulouse," said Eaton.

"To be fair, a lot of those who got a chance did well. We were pleased with a lot of what we did and we've now got a strong squad to select from."

Former Halifax half-back Danny Jones misses a second match due to the groin injury sustained against his former club and Keighley are hoping it won't escalate into a hernia.

But they are likely to welcome back experienced hooker Jamaine Wray from injury and robust prop Andy Shickell returns after serving his one-match suspension.

Eaton insists he is not eyeing the fourth round just for the chance to meet Super League opponents.

He said: "I think the days of getting big pay-days by playing Leeds Rhinos or Bradford Bulls are gone because they don't generally put out their best sides against lower league opposition and the crowds aren't that great.

"But we know a win will see us earn more prize money and that's important to the club."

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