New faces have joined the Cougar squad this week -- and could be in the line-up at Gateshead on Sunday.

Peter Leeming and Chris Hartley, both utility players, and both from last season's Halifax Blue Sox Under-21 team have started training with the Cougars.

Paul Gardner, a very powerful and pacy winger from National Conference League Division One champions West Bowling, is also fighting for a contract.

Brothers Carl Patterson (half back- full back) and Lee Patterson (loose forward - stand off) were both in Hull FC's Alliance team last season.

All the players have joined the club as trialists and are keen to impress and earn a contract.

"We are talking to several other players and are very hopeful of making further additions to the squad before the NFP starts again in June," said coach Gary Moorby.

All the new faces have trained this week and there has been an enthusiastic buzz around the training ground.

"The injection of new faces has got to be good for the club and there is now some real competition for places. I want any player that pulls on a Keighley shirt to wear it with pride and be prepared to work overtime to keep it.

"I know from experience that if you have someone breathing down your neck you often dig in and find that little extra which can often be the difference between winning and losing," Moorby said.

It is possible that one or two of the new faces may be added to the squad to play Gateshead.

He added: "We are taking the Gateshead game very seriously. We put in some good effort against Sheffield and Featherstone last week but at the end of the day came away with nothing.

"It would give us a lift to go into our four week break with our first away win of the season."

n Matty Firth (right) in the line-up.