Last Sunday's defeat at home to relegation rivals Halifax has left the Cougars alone at the bottom of the table with half of the National League One programme now completed.

The Cougars have managed just a solitary win over Featherstone in nine matches, while Rochdale's surprise victory over Hull KR last weekend has dumped coach Gary Moorby's side further in the mire ahead of tomorrow's trip to Batley.

"We are half-way through the season and struggling," admitted Moorby.

"We are in a situation and we need to pull ourselves out of it."

The writing is not quite on the wall yet, insisted Moorby.

"I spoke to the players last night and said: 'There are nine games to go. Are we prepared to really dig in with our backs to the wall and come out fighting'? They all said yes.

"I certainly don't back down from setbacks and that's what we've all got to do.

"We've all got to be in the same boat and work together. If ultimately if doesn't work out but everybody right across the board can say 'I've given 110 per cent' then I can't really ask for more.

"But I do believe if everybody gives that then we might be able to do it."

The biggest obstacle in the way of division one survival

is the lack of experienced players in the squad, said Moorby.

"When the boat is rocking you need someone who can pull you through it and we are missing that.

"We had Jason Ramshaw last season and although he was getting on a bit he still had that experience. This year we are lacking that a bit, particularly now that the boat is rocking. We just need somebody to steady the ship.

"No disrespect, but I don't think Halifax are a great team. But in Anthony Farrell and Jamie Bloem last Sunday they had two players with hundreds of Super League games behind them. That is what we needed.

"To be honest, I had identified that before the start of the season but the financial constraints were there and we weren't able to speculate and bring anybody in. Now we are paying the price."

The Cougars have no new injuries worries, with new second row signing Danny Murgatroyd - a former Clayton amateur - likely to retain his place in the squad.

"I've been really impressed with him.

"He's a tough, hard-running kid," said Moorby.