WE'RE back in action on Sunday and there is a real sense of anticipation down at the ground.

The players have been a joy to work with during our pre-season sessions, their commitment and attitude has been outstanding.

Paul Royston had been putting them through their paces, and at 46 he's still in good shape. He earned the respect of the lads with a 'do as I do' attitude in the gym.

The rowing machine is one of Paul's favourites and he set a mean pace for the lads to follow, 1000m in under 3mins 40secs. Mind you Phil Stephenson rewrote the record books by setting a time of 3mins 10secs -- he's looking sharp.

The squad has come together superbly and there have been a few laughs among the hard work ...

Danny Ekis doesn't drive and usually gets a lift over the hill from the far side of Halifax with Simeon Hoyle.

One night he failed to turn up for a meeting before training, but he walked in just as we were ready to get down to the hard work -- with steam rising from his sweaty body.

"I missed Hoyley, but didn't want to miss training so I've come over on my bike," he said.

I was impressed, then when he climbed back in the saddle after training and announced he was "setting off home" I was really impressed -- until he rode down to the car park and threw his bike into the back of Simeon's van!

I would like to pay my respects to Bob Kelly who passed away recently. He was a former Keighley & Wakefield back row forward who gained representative honours with 'The Other Nationalities' before Ireland had their own team.

At 75-years-old Bob was before my time as a player and I didn't have the pleasure of seeing him play, but I have it on good authority he was a cracking back rower in his day. I do know Bob was a real gentleman, and I know he will be missed by many.

Finally I hope to see a good crowd at Cougar park on sunday. Last season was frustrating for spectators and everyone at the club.

Last season was about survival and we achieved that, now they time has come to move forward. Please get behind the lads, I'm sure they will give you something to cheer about if they are given a chance.