Eaton on standby to face Hunslet

10:29am Thursday 20th March 2008

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Barry Eaton reckons his Cougars side are ready for the big National League Two start but warned: We can't write Hunslet off.

Keighley visit the Hawks for their opening game tomorrow night (7.30pm) encouraged by recent performances in the Northern Rail Cup, where they twice defeated rivals Workington Town.

Their new signings have also settled well and competition for places is fierce, while cash-strapped Hunslet have been viewed as potential wooden spoonists.

They lost all six Northern Rail Cup games, conceding nearly 40 points per match, and Eaton said: "It looked like it was all doom and gloom for Hunslet at Christmas.

"They were the side that were going to struggle this year and they did early on but they have made some decent signings over the last couple of weeks.

"They've got Eddie Mack from Dewsbury, Wayne Freeman has returned, Keegan Hirst and now Phil Hasty.

"By all accounts they were outstanding at Dewsbury last week, only losing 18-16, and all of a sudden I think they fancy themselves for making the play-offs.

"They will also be out for revenge after we won there in the final game last season to deny them a play-off spot. That will still be stuck in their minds."

Hunslet are coached by former Great Britain centre and Bradford Dudley Hill chief Graeme Hallas along with ex-Cougars favourite Matt Bramald, who doubles up as full back.

Eaton has some big decisions to make regarding his own selections, including whether or not to pick himself after he made a try-scoring first appearance of the season last week.

"If Danny Jones isn't fit in time then I think I probably will play again," said the veteran scrum-half, who has urged his other No 7s Adam Mitchell and Craig Fawcett to deliver more consistently if they want the role permanently.

"Danny's trained okay this week following his groin problems but it might be too soon and we don't want to rush him back."

Star centre Mick Fogerty is also back in training following his long-term hand injury and he could return to action in the next few weeks but Eaton has meanwhile been impressed with new signing Dan Potter who should back up last week's debut tomorrow.

"Dan scored a great try against Workington and looked really strong defensively most of the time," he said.

"Greg Nicholson, Dave Norcorss and Tom Palmer will come into the squad too."

Keighley, meanwhile, entertain Swinton Lions on Easter Monday.