COUGAR coach Karl Harrison has started to unveil his squad for 2001 - with extra Super League experience added to last season's line-up.

Daio Powell heads the line-up of talent heading to Cougar Park after gaining experience against the top clubs with Huddersfield/Sheffield. He has also played with Western Reds in Australia and had spells with Bradford Bulls, Wakefield and Halifax.

He has been out for the whole season with Huddersfield after breaking his arm, but aims to be back to full fitness before the start of the new season in December.

"I played with him at Halifax and he will certainly add size and pace to the team. He will have a chance to re-start his career, but he is now working full time and is not interested in returning to Super League.

"He should be a big asset to the squad," Karl Harrison said.

This season Harrison is having to build his team on a reduced budget following a cut in Sky sponsorship money to Premiership clubs.

"Last season was very successful, we finished second in the league, and it has been difficult then asking the players to take a pay cut. We now know they are playing for the club for the right reasons - it is because they want to be at the Cougars and certainly not for the money," he said.

Despite the financial pressure he has also added formert Rochdale fullback Lee Maher to the squad.

Maher, who always wears a skull cap, first attracted attention two seasons ago when he was named in the Premiership Dream Team while playing for Doncaster.

"I saw a lot of him playing for Rochdale last season and he was always one of their outstanding performers," Harrison said.

Matt Walker's elder brother, James will be fighting for a place in the starting line-up after joining as the club's fifth prop.

"He suffered a shoulder injury, but has had it reconstructed. He is a big lad and will add presence to the pack, but he knows he will have to fight for a place and must take his chance when it comes," the coach said.

Most of the squad have agreed new terms with Richard Smith leaving to play rugby union in Ireland, but he could return to the club later in the season.

Paul Owen is looking to move to a club where he can be in the starting line-up after playing most of last season as the Cougar super-sub.

Martin Wood has signed a new two-year deal, and other who have agree terms include Jason Ramshaw, Allan Boothroyd, Nathan Antonik, Jason Lee, Dean Hanger, Graeme Hallas, James Rushforth, Mick Slicker, Craig Horne, Gary Lord, Ian Hughes, matt Walker, Phil Stephenson and Paul Harrison.

Matt Foster hopes to be back in full training by next month after a major ankle operation and the club is still negotiating details of his contract which includes work on the club's community team.

Danny Seal, who is currently on loan from Halifax, hopes to make a permanent move if a deal can be agreed.

Karl Harrison is also looking out for more talent to add to his line-up. "Super League ends this weekend and I think there will be quite a shake-up. I will be keeping my ear to the ground," he said.

n Nathan Antonik swept the board at the Cougars' Awards Night on Friday. He was crowned Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player and the Freddy Club Player of the Year during an action-packed evening at Keighley's Victoria Hall.

Antonik was on holidy in America but sent a video message of thanks to the fans.

The Players' Player award was made in memory of fan Dave Clark, who died during the season. The emotional presentation was made by his parents, Pamela and Eugene.

Karl Smith was named most improved player by coach Karl Harrison and Chris Hannah was crowned Alliance Player of the Year. Carlos Sanchez took the Jack Wilson Memorial Trophy for Young Player of the Year.

The Try of the Season award went to Stephen Pickles his finish against Dewsbury.