DANNY SEAL is set to stay at Cougars at least until the end of the season after the club completed a new loan deal with Halifax Blue Sox.

Seal, who has become an increasingly powerful influence in the first team, was with the Cougars on a week-by-week basis, but coach Karl Harrison has been keen to add him to club's regular squad, and Seal was equally keen to stay.

However, Harrison has been forced to work to a tight budget and the money was not available to sign Seal on a permanent contract. Last week they secured a 'rolling loan' deal which will see him at the club at least until the end of the season.

"At the end of the season we will take a look at the position again and we will be able to consider our budget for the next year," said club managing director, Peter Rowe.

Harrison was delighted after his team climbed to second place in the Northern Ford Premiership after a classic battle with Oldham on Wednesday night.

"It would be nice to be top of the league, but we set out to get a top eight finish and it now looks as if we are going to do that, but there are some big games coming up this month and they will sort out the men from the boys," he said.

Wednesday's game was one of the toughest of the season with the young Oldham side fighting to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run.

But the Cougars came good as their superior fitness and mental stamina pulled them through.

"It was a game of proper tough rugby league with both teams fighting all the way," Karl Harrison said.

Now they face Batley at Cougar Park on Sunday with the prospect of another hard fought battle ahead.

"Batley will provide tough opposition. they are always a very physical side and they were very unlucky to lose 44-40 to Leigh last weekend. They will be determined to put that result right and will hope to catch us after a hard midweek game."

The Bulldogs are also expected to bring one of the biggest crowds of travelling supporters seen at Cougar Park this season.

Karl Harrison gave his team Thursday night off from training, but the players attended for a session with the club physio. There are a couple of injury worries with Richard Smith suffering a bruised hip in Wednesday's match. If he does not recover in time he will be replaced by Karl Smith.

Steve Hall is another worry after picking up a groin strain, he will undergo a late fitness test.

"Bulldogs are in a false position so low in the table and they have had the luxury of a week off after postponing their trip to Whitehaven. they are a tough side and must not be under-estimated.

n The club is planning a big family party night when Lancashire Lynx visit Keighley on Friday, May 26.

Children will be admitted for just £1 with a coupon which will be printed in the Keighley News.

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