March confident of Cougars upset

Keighley stand-off Paul March believes the Cougars have every chance of causing an upset when they face Halifax in the Championship play-offs tonight.

March, 33, will take over the reins as Keighley coach next season following current coach Jason Demetriou‘s decision to return to Australia, and he believes that a run in the play-offs would be the perfect send off for the outgoing coach.

He said: “We’re very happy to be involved in the business end of the season. We set ourselves a goal to be in the final six at the end of the year and now that we’ve done that we’re not just going to make up the numbers.

“It would be massive for us to send ‘JD’ off as a winning coach. My first reaction when he talked to me about taking over as coach next year was that we need to give him a big send off because he’s a great bloke and he puts a lot of time and effort into his work with the club.

“There are a few other guys who will be also moving on this season as well so to reach or win the Grand Final would be huge for all of us and really put the club back on the map as well.”

Keighley are in their first season in the Championship, having won the Championship 1 Grand Final to earn promotion last season.

They will be looking to curb a run of four consecutive defeats when they travel to The Shay.

March added: “We’re always confident going into every game. Last time we played Halifax at their ground there was only one point between us and we know we are capable of putting in a big performance. Karl (Harrison) has mentioned in the press that his side are clear favourites and that’s just the extra motivation we need.

“For me, going into the start of next season off the back of a successful play-off campaign would be fantastic as it gives the whole club a feel-good factor and creates a buzz around the ground. It’s going to be tough but winning play-off games and finals games is the best feeling you can get as a player and that’s what we’re looking for.”