Eaton names 19-strong squad for Skolars date. : Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:37 pm
Keighley Cougars Head Coach Barry Eaton has named a squad of 19 – including himself - for tomorrow evening’s crucial Co-operative Championship One encounter with London Skolars at the New River Stadium.
The Cougars need to beat the Skolars to assure themselves of second place in the league table. The runners-up to Dewsbury Rams have the opportunity to play just one game in the play-offs to reach the Grand Final at Warrington on Sunday, October 4.
With Cougars skipper James Feather ruled out for three months because he needs surgery on the depressed cheekbone fracture he suffered against Hunslet Hawks last Sunday, Eaton is considering whether to take over the leadership role himself.
He has also included 18-year-old James Haythornthwaite in the squad after the teenage halfback produced several impressive outings in the Cougar Reserve team in recent weeks, including a hat-trick of tries against Hunslet.
Eaton has also named prop Ryan Benjafield in the squad but he will undergo a late fitness test on the ankle he injured in last week’s 20-16 win over the Hawks.
To cover against Benjafield not being passed fit there’s also a place in the squad for 19-year-old prop Ben Sagar, who has had several run outs with the first team this year.
Eaton said: “This is an important game for our club. We’ve got to keep our feet firmly on the ground because this is an ideal opportunity to secure the fastest possible route through to the Grand Final.
“I’ll finally make up my mind what the team will be once we know whether Ryan is passed fit. If he comes through the test in good shape, he’ll play.
“I haven’t ruled out myself from playing and much will depend on the conditions we find when we get to London.
The Cougars squad is: George Rayner, Sam Gardner, Gavin Duffy, Lee Mapals, Dan Potter, Daley Williams, Jon Presley, Danny Jones, James Haythornthwaite, Scott Law, Andy Shickell, Ryan Benjafield, Brendon Rawlins, Will Cartledge, Ollie Pursglove, Carl Hughes, Jamaine Wray, Barry Eaton, Ben Sagar.
