Keighley Cougars are locked in crucial talks with West Yorkshire Co-op which could pave the way for new investors.

The club are determined to be in a position to launch a serious bid for Super League status at the end of the season if they win the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final.

But club spokesman Gary Murgatroyd, currently acting as general manager after a administrative shake-up, says the ground issue is crucial to their ambitions.

"We actually own the freehold on the ground but West Yorkshire Co-op still have an option on it," he explained. "It is essential to our plans that we own the ground and we are hopeful that the Co-op will be sympathetic to our cause. These talks are critical and we are confident if we get the go-ahead it will have some big knock-on effects."

The club has formed a new committee to help put plans in place which includes Murgatroyd, coach Steve Deakin, community development manager Jason Ramshaw and commercial representative Gillian Ogden.

Deakin is keen to get back on the winning track at Whitehaven tomorrow after their narrow defeat by league leaders Leigh last week.

Cougars have their injury worries with scrum half Nathan Antonik in danger of missing the match with damaged ankle ligaments.

Deakin is hoping the club's physiotherapist can work a miracle and get Antonik fit, but he will more than likely leave the scrum half job to experienced Craig Murdock. Darren Carter will also have a fitness check.

Whitehaven boss Paul Cullen is still fuming over the loss of key winger Chris Campbell with a badly broken jaw: "His jaw was a terrible mess and I understand Chris will be out of action for up to eight weeks. We are taking the matter further and could well claim compensation." Whitehaven will also be without prop David Fatialofa (dislocated a kneecap) and skipper Aaron Lester (suspected wrist fracture).

"We have 12 senior players on the injured list and it's not looking good at all. But we will soldier on by probably calling up some of the young Alliance players," added Cullen.

Cougars: (from) Rushforth, Horne, Powell, Hallas, Carter, Lee, Smith, Antonik, Murdock, Slicker, Ramshaw, Boothroyd, Harrison, Hughes, Seal, Walker, Stephenson, Leatham, Ross, Sanchez.