HARRY PLUNKETT is polishing up his boots and is set to pull on a Cougar shirt 40 years after injury forced him to retire - in tribute to stalwart forward Phil Stephenson.

Harry, 68, was frustrated that he did not share the pitch with Keighley RFL hero Brian Jefferson in his playing days, and when he heard that 'Jeffo' was coming out of retirement he decided he could not miss the bumper Cougar party.

"I had to retire in 1965 when I was 28 and a few weeks later Brian started playing and became a legend at the club - I have always been frustrated that I didn't get to play with him," Harry said.

Jefferson played more than 300 times for Keighley in a 12-year spell from 1965 and scored a total of 2,116 points.

Harry started playing amateur rugby with Keighley Albion and was signed by Huddersfield as a 19-year-old in 1956 and won a Yorkshire Cup winners medal with the club. He later moved to his home town club, but was forced to retire when he burst a blood vessel in his leg.

Now he is determined to forge the partnership the two veterans missed out on in their playing days.

"When I heard he was playing I decided that if Brian could put in 10 minutes - so could I," Harry said.

"My wife, Elaine, thinks I'm crazy and thinks it might even kill me - but what a way to go!"

Harry and Brian will be joining a star-studded line up with many of the players who earned the hearts of Keighley fans during the 'Cougarmania Years' taking part in the game, which is the highlight of Phil Stephenson's Testimonial Year.

"The line-up of players shows the respect the players have for Phil who has given a tremendous amount for the club and spectators over the years. We expect to have a bumper crowd at Cougar Park on Sunday to enjoy a superb afternoon or entertainment," said David Marshall, chairman of the Testimonial Committee.

Among those who have confirmed they will be lining up are Nick Pinkney, Jason Ramshaw, Andre Stoop, Dave Larder and Daz Fleary. There will also be Max Tomlinson, Carleton Farrell, Chris Robinson, Andy Senior and Keith Dixon.

"I just can't wait - It's going to be a fantastic afternoon and looking at the line-up it should also be a very competitive game, there are some tremendous players in the line-up.

"For me its a great way of saying thankyou to all the supporters who have given us their backing over the years," Phil Stephenson said.

The game kicks off at 3pm with entrance £7 for adults which will include a Testimonial brochure and £2 for children and pensioners.

n Would-be Cougar coaches were still being interviewed last night (Thursday) as the club searches to replace Gary Moorby.

Two candidates had been seen earlier in the week and late applications had also been received, including applications from Australia.

"We know we have to make a decision quickly, but we do not want to be rushed. We must make sure we have got the right man for the job.

"Whoever gets the job it will be quite a challenge, but we believe we have some great talent coming through the youth ranks," said chairman Neil Spencer.