Fitness boost for Keighley

Cougars coach Barry Eaton is boosted by the news that James Haythornthwaite should be fit after recovering from a niggling back problem.

Will Cartledge and Brendan Rawlins are also expected to play despite suffering head injuries during Keighley’s game against Whitehaven.

Scott Law will be included providing he does not have any reaction to his introduction back into full training.

Eaton said: “Halifax have had a bit of adversity and when you’ve got such a talented squad it might be something they’ve needed. They’ve probably not been firing on all cylinders, but looking at the scoreline last week they’ve put Barrow to the sword and there are not many teams capable of doing that to Barrow.

“It’s just shown the quality they’ve got at Halifax. However, we put up a good performance against them at The Shay and we’re hopeful that will help us on Sunday.”

Anthony Bowman and Michael Ostick could return for Halifax, while Makali Aizue, Dave Larder, Stanley Gene and Ben Black will all be assessed after suffering knocks against Barrow.

Halifax coach Matt Calland said: “It was a roller-coaster of a week, and I’m just glad it ended on a high. We showed tremendous character and commitment against Barrow.

“I’m full of praise for every single one of the lads. I’m so proud of them.”

He added: “I’m hoping that our result against Barrow will kick start our season. We talked before the game about putting a marker down and I think we did that.”