Jason Ramshaw has finally taken a major step on the road to recovery after yesterday having the shoulder operation he has been waiting for.

Ramshaw, who has not played since the 33-6 defeat at Swinton Lions on March 24, sustained the injury against Workington last December and had hoped for an early date.

But it has been a frustrating few weeks for the Cougars hooker. "The specialist went on holiday and that meant a delay in getting a date. It has been a bit frustrating, but I am relieved to have finally got it sorted," he said.

"I will be out of action for about five or six months, which effectively means I won't play again this year unless we are involved in the play-offs."

Ramshaw, in his testimonial season, suffered a full-length tear of the shoulder muscle, which surgeons were operating on to repair. As part of that testimonial there is a Sportsman's Dinner at the Five Flags, Cullingworth on Wednesday.

With Cougars out of action this weekend after Sunday's defeat by Doncaster Dragons in the Buddies National League Cup, coach Gary Moorby will be taking the chance to continue his search for new talent to boost the squad.

Moorby has promised to bring six new faces into his starting line-up by June.

He has a shopping list of eight players in mind and is determined to shake things in time for the resumption of the Northern Ford Premiership.

His list includes wingers, prop forwards, back row forwards and centres, both amateurs and those with Super League experience.

Moorby is hoping to have some in place ready for the visit to Sheffield a week on Sunday, but guarantees changes in personnel by June 2.

"We have a few irons in the fire and are hopeful of making several signings over the coming weeks," he said. "The squad we have is too thin on the ground and we have to create competition for places.

"We must have the scenario where everybody is fighting for their place. This is a problem I inherited and I am working very hard to put right. If we can make the signings we want to make we will be a much more competitive side by the time the NFP starts again in June."

One of the main obstacles in Moorby's search for players is lack of money. The Cougars have inquired about several players but have been unable to meet any of their wage demands.

"We are just not in a position to even start negotiations at the level they want. As a club we are determined to remain on a sound financial footing, although it does present difficulties when trying to build a team," added Moorby.

Cougar Park stages a double-header of women's rugby league action on Sunday. Great Britain have a trial match at noon, followed at 2pm by a county championship match between Yorkshire and the North West.

Winger Saima Hussein and second row Jodie Billing from Keighley are both expected to be involved for Yorkshire, coached by Lee Crooks, Matt Foster and Jason Ramshaw.

Admission for both games is £2 for adults, £1 concessions, and gates are due to open at 11am.

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