Demetriou looking to start for a win

Keighley Cougars coach Jason Demetriou says a professional preparation will give his team the best possible chance of success in 2011.

Demetriou is eyeing a return to the Co-operative Championship and knows that a good start against London Skolars is essential to for building momentum and confidence.

He said: “How we prepare for games is something that I’ve emphasised to all the players. We’ve got a great squad and I’m confident we can beat anybody – if we prepare right.”

Tom Burton suffered a dislocated shoulder against Toulouse last week. He now faces up to six weeks on the sidelines, but Gavin Duffy is available and will most likely take Burton’s place on the wing.

Demetriou added: “We’re progressing nicely. Everything I’ve put in place in terms of how we approached the Northern Rail Cup has paid off. Every player has had some good game time.

“Saturday was first time I’ve played my strongest 17, and our attitude was outstanding.”

He continued: “I’ve watched London’s game against York when they drew and I thought they deserved it. They’re aggressive, they’ve got a big pack and they work hard for each other.

“Joe Mbu is doing a good job and I hear they’re coming up overnight. It’s a big challenge for us, and a great way to start the season with a match between a team who want to get promoted and a team who want to prove a point.”

Matthew Thomas returns to Mbu’s Skolars squad after serving a one-match suspension last week.

Skolars won 60-24 against Cumbrian amateurs Egremont last Saturday. Mbu said: “We knew it would be tight early on, but we held our game plan and controlled the ball well.”