NRC Preview: Keighley v Whitehaven

Will Cartledge (sprained ankle) faces a late fitness test to determine whether he can take part in Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup game against Whitehaven.

Daley Williams (neck) is also doubtful but expected to pull through in time to face Ged Stokes’ side.

Cougars coach Barry Eaton said: “We’ve not seen much of Whitehaven last year because they were in the Championship whereas we were in Championship One.

“By all accounts they had a really good effort against Leeds a couple of weeks ago so we’re expecting a tough game.

“They’ve been a top four team over the last few years so they’re certainly a benchmark for us to aim for.”

Ben Sagar and Chris Baines are also rated as 50/50 while Richard Jones has returned to full training.

Whitehaven are boosted by the confirmed fitness of Craig Calvert and Graeme Mattinson. “They’ll both take their place against Keighley,” confirmed Ged Stokes.

He added: “Keighley will probably be at their most difficult to play against at the start of the year.

“They will have prepared well for the season, but we go into the game confident that we can overcome whatever they throw at us and that’s the way we’ve got to look at it.”