COUGARS are out for revenge on Sunday when they meet Sheffield Eagles in the NFP National cup.
The last time the visited the Don Valley Stadium they were on the wrong end of a 60-0 thrashing for coach Gary Moorby's first match in charge at the club.
"After this the only way is up," Moorby said after the match. Now he has told his players that they should need no motivation for this weekend's game.
"I was embarrassed after the last game at Sheffield, and I wasn't even playing. The players will be determined to rebuild a bit of the pride they lost that day.
"In fairness though it was a difficult time at the club, Steve Deakin had just left and Paul Moses and myself hadn't had time to make any impression on the team. I am sure it will be quite a different performance this time."
But Moorby is still searching for a little extra fire-power to add to his squad.
"We are making progress in bringing some new faces to the club, but it is taking a lot longer than I had hoped. Some of the players we have been in touch with still have other commitments and I hope they will be free to join us soon."
As well as searching through the ranks of the Northern Ford Premiership, and looking to make new on-loan signings from Super League clubs, Moorby and his coaching team have been scouring the ranks of top amateur clubs.
Veteran Keighley star Terry Hollindrake has also given his backing to the club and has been searching out potential talent.
"Terry was on the coaching staff when I was a player at Keighley and he has always been a mentor of mine. He has given me some sound advice throughout my career and when he tells you someone is worth watching you listen to what he has to say," Moorby said.
Hollindrake's nose for talent has put them on the trail of an impressive winger who is still in the amateur ranks.
"I can't reveal who he is at the present moment because I don't want to tip off other clubs, but the lad is very interested in joining us at Cougar Park and hopefully he will join the squad as soon as he has completed his other commitments."
Local boy Stuart Calvert has suffered another injury set-back. After two operations on a hand injury he has been told that the bone has still not set correctly and he will be out of action for at least a further six weeks.
But Max Tomlinson could be back from his long term hand injury on Sunday, or for next Wednesday night's home fixture against Featherstone Rovers.
After playing two games in four days the team then has another free weekend before playing Gateshead, and then have a four week break.
"That will be the first long period we have been able to spend time with the players working with the individually and we plan to use it like a mini pre-season session to improve individual players and the team as a whole," Moorby said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article