Cougars coach Gary Moorby is hoping players who become unsettled during the Arriva Trains Cup will consider a move to Keighley.

Moorby has a squad of just 20 players and he is concerned a run of injuries could see the Cougars caught short mid-season.

"We're still looking to make a couple of additions," he said. "I'm well aware that if we picked up two or three injuries then we would be a little bit light.

"I feel we can field a strong side that can compete but we could do with a bit more cover. We are on the lookout to recruit two or three more players.

"In the Arriva Cup period there is often a little bit of movement with players."

Moorby said he would be keeping a close eye on player availability right up until Easter.

"If there is somebody that fits the bill we will make a move. We have got our eye on a couple of guys who are playing rugby union but their season doesn't finish until April, when our league starts.

"The squad is standing at 20 and I would like to push it to 23.

"The season before last we had a paper-thin squad and often we just had the bare 17 available. That doesn't put anybody on their toes, it creates complacency.

"Last season we had 23 or 24 and it kept everybody on their toes. The major difference was that we could field a strong bench, which is crucial.

"If you look at the top-end, Bradford and the likes, they all have very strong benches. Strength in depth allows you to have a very strong 17."

The good work done by fitness conditioner Paul Royston was a major reason injuries weren't a serious problem for the Cougars last year, said Moorby.

"The injuries we picked up were general impact injuries and you can't avoid them; it's a tough sport. But if you are fit you can ride the knocks better. We went pretty well with injuries last season and I'm just touching wood and hoping we will do the same again."

The Cougars seem to be no closer to finding a major benefactor who would allow them to compete with the bigger clubs in the division.

"I don't think we've got any major announcements to make about anybody throwing massive amounts of money at us," said Moorby.

"But things are moving on the sponsorship front and there are little bits coming in. I don't want loads of money to by loads of players but we do need to bring two or three more into the squad."

The club won't play any friendlies because it has largely kept last year's squad together.

"We are not making vast changes to our style of play, just little tweaks here and there.

"It was my decision that we wouldn't bother with friendlies. I see the Arriva Trains competition as still being part of our build-up. I don't particularly like friendlies anyway. I mean, how do you mean 'friendly'? We are playing the toughest team sport in the world."