Frank Punchard's 'Cougar kids' aim to go out with a bang when they take on top of the table side Leigh in the final home game on Sunday.

After turning in an impressive display against Widnes, who are also in the top five Premiership Play-offs, the young side is keen to show it was no flash in the pan.

But the Keighley side's injury list has been growing with every week.

Christian Tyrer, who should have been available for last week's game after his suspension by the club was lifted, has suffered an ankle injury.

Jason Ramshaw is also doubtful after being replaced late in last week's game with a deadleg, but the club's inspirational skipper rarely misses a game and could declare himself fit before Sunday.

Karl smith suffered a rib injury and was replaced at half time and Paul Owen is also expected to be out after picking up a collarbone injury in the match.

They will join David Larder, who has a broken collar bone, Martin Wood, out with a knee injury, and Davide Longo who has been out for much of the season.

The retirements of Chris Robinson and David Laurence have left the club with a wafer thin squad.

Young players expected to take their place include Chris Hartley, Chris Hannah, Lee Baines and Chris Kirk.

Despite sitting at the top of the table, Leigh are not without their injury problems and expect to have a weakened team on show at Cougar Park. The main absentee is expected to be skipper Jamie Kennedy who has a torn ankle ligament and becomes the club's fifth long term injury after Craig Dean, Nick Jenkins, Alan Hadcroft and James Arkwright.

Stand-off Kieron Pucill is also doubtful with an ankle injury.

The Cougar players are to celebrate the end of their home matches with an after-match barbecue for fans. Captain Jason Ramshaw is due to be head chef and there will be a live band and entertainment for children.

n The Rugby League Council will decide the future of the Northern Ford Premiership compeititon on Tuesday.

Last week FASDA clubs voted to start the season on Boxing Day and play every club home and away, creating a 34-match league season. The top eight clubs will then hold a play-off competition to decide who will get promoted.

The council will also decide whether to spread payment of the remaining 'Sky Money' over one, two or three years.

"Everything is up in the air at the moment, but we will be able to start planning for the future after Tuesday's meeting.

"Everything at the club is up for discussion," said Cougars' director, Allan Clarkson.

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