The Cougars' unsuccessful flirtation with National League One will end on Sunday the same way it started on a bitter winter's day in February, with a tough derby match away to Halifax at The Shay.

The Cougars showed plenty of promise in going down 18-12 to Super League-relegated Halifax, but both sides were to struggle in the new division and both now face the prospect of relegation.

The Cougars are already down, while Halifax will have to survive a play-off against a top second division side if they are to avoid dropping two divisions in as many seasons.

With both sides' fates set in stone, pride is really the only thing on offer tomorrow. Cougars coach Gary Moorby says that is enough.

"Our future is decided but, with the strong Halifax connection at the club, this is quite a big game for us," said Moorby.

"It's always a bit of a spicy game. We'll be going there to try to win it, but we are going to be under strength and it is going to be hard work. But we've not thrown the towel in in any of these games and we don't expect to throw it in in the last one. We'll give it our best shot."

Injured Cougars skipper Matt Foster leads the division with 18 tries but is rated no better than 50/50 to return after missing last week's 52-22 defeat by Hull KR. Moorby also has doubts over a whole host of regular first-teamers, including Danny Ekis, Chris Wainwright, Adam Mitchell and Max Tomlinson.

Moorby looks likely to be forced once again to turn to the club's youth stocks.

"Andy Feather came in at the last minute last week and he went on at stand-off and scored a try on his debut. He is the sixth 19-year-old that has played for the first team this season, so that's a positive for the future," said Moorby.

Halifax already half an eye on their promotion/relegation play-off, admitted football director Paul Dixon.

"We are now planning for the play-offs and looking at the Division Two situation it looks like we will take on York City Knights, unless there is a big upset and Barrow lose at Dewsbury,'' said Dixon.

Young prop John Simpson will step back into the Halifax pack, having established himself as a possible future pack leader, said Dixon.

"He is a big lad and has been going well since he won his way into the side."

With former Leigh backs Pat Weisner and Alan Hadcroft only rated 50/50, coach Anthony Farrell may well select the same side that took the points at Doncaster last week.