Jason Demetriou could pull on a Cougars shirt for the first time in the friendly at Hunslet Hawks on Sunday (3pm).

Appointed as player-coach three weeks ago, the former Wakefield star has seen his debut delayed by a long-standing knee problem.

After undergoing surgery during the off-season, Demetriou was cautious not to rush back into action but the time has finally come.

“The knee’s feeling really good now and, fingers crossed, I will get a game on Sunday,” said the 35-year-old Aussie, a nominee for Super League’s Man of Steel Award in 2007.

“It’s a game I want to play in because it’ll probably be our hardest test of the pre-season.

“I had wanted to play in the Peter Fell game but I thought it was best to sit that one out. I’m getting really itchy feet now and I’m really looking forward to getting out there again.”

Demetriou looks set to figure in a much-changed Cougars side, with Will Cartledge, Olly Pursglove, Chris Baines, Greg Nicholson and Jamaine Wray all set to return after sitting out last week.

Demetriou believes his spell on the sidelines could have done him a favour.

He said: “It’s made it a bit easier to adapt to the player-coach role. It’s a tricky role in terms of how much coaching and playing I do but my first job is as coach and playing comes second.

“In training, it also helps that we’re split into two groups, as it means I can do my weights with the second group and can still keep an eye on everyone. There are ways to make it work.”

The Cougars chief sees the trip to newly-promoted Championship side Hunslet as an ideal yardstick ahead of the new campaign.

Last week’s clash with a Keighley Amateur Select side proved pretty routine – ending in a 60-0 triumph – but the Hawks will not allow a similar luxury.

“This is the friendly where we will get a good measure of where we’ll be at when we start the season,” said Demetriou.

“They’re a strong side and I think they’ll push for midtable in the Championship.”

Ben Sagar and Jamie Shepherd were among those to catch the eye in the Peter Fell Memorial game and could even push their boss for a place in the back row.

He said: “I was really pleased with Ben and Jamie and we’ve got some really strong options in the back row now. James Hutchinson also played well and he’s impressed me from the minute I walked through the door.”