Benjafield could return for Toulouse clash

Ryan Benjafield could return from a shoulder reconstruction when Keighley Cougars host Toulouse Olympique in Saturday’s Northern Rail Cup fixture.

The Cougars’ Australian prop is now fully fit and ready to add some firepower to coach Jason Demetriou’s pack.

Demetriou said: “Benji is fit to play. I’m in two minds about whether he’ll play on Sunday, but he’s definitely in contention. We need him to get some game time ahead of the start of the league season.”

Ryan Smith (knee) is Demetriou’s only injury concern as the Cougars look to get back to winning ways after last week’s 14-0 defeat at Dewsbury.

“Dewsbury played the conditions a lot better than us,” said Demetriou. “Defensively I thought we were excellent, but we didn’t play the conditions very well.

“I’ve watched Toulouse’s game against Dewsbury from a fortnight ago. They like to throw the ball around and they’ve got some quick outside backs. They’ll try to challenge us with a big pack but they also like to play rugby.”

Toulouse coach Gilles Dumas must cope without Ged Corcoran (dislocated elbow) alongside the long-term absences of Rory Bromley, Constant Villeagas and Tim Wynn.

Dumas watched his side lost 44-28 at Widnes last week. He said: “We will learn our lesson that you can’t play for 65 minutes and then switch off.”