COUGARS will be taking part in one of the biggest experiments in sporting television when the Northern Ford Premiership Play-offs kick off on Sunday.

Yorkshire TV are set to give the game -- and the world of television -- a shot in the arm with increasing coverage as the competition continues, leading up to full live coverage of the final throughout the north of England.

"We will be trying something completely new, it will be in-your-face television," said YTV sport producer Nick Beamont.

He aims to break away from traditional highlights-style programmes by concentrating on personalities within the game. "We will have a detailed look at the players in each team, interviews with the coaches who face all the pressures involved with the game and we will discover the aspirations of the chairmen and the hopes of the supporters," he said.

But the biggest changes will come at the main game covered by television cameras. The TV company has been given an "access all areas" deal which will allow cameras into the changing rooms for team talks before the match -- and at half time -- when both coaches will be wired up to microphones.

The referee will also be wired for sound during the game, and in the biggest experiment of all technicians are also going to try fitting the official with a 'mini-cam' so that television viewers will get a ref's-eye-view of the action from the middle of the field.

The final itself will have 10 minutes each-way extra time if scores are level after 80 minutes with a 'Golden Score' decider if the teams remain level.

First Cougars face a tough game against Doncaster, who won both their league games against Keighley this season.

Former Cougar, St John Ellis, now coach of the Dragons is looking forward to the clash. "I don't think the earlier results count for anything, this is a cup game and anything can happen, but my players are really up for it," he said.

Cougar coach Karl Harrison also has his side well prepared and knows his former team mate well.

"We are good friends and I know 'Singe' will have his side ready for the game. We just have to be better."

The two coaches met at the launch of the Play-off campaign which was held at Bury's Gigg Lane stadium on Tuesday and were able to share a joke despite the tensions of the big game.

"I'll have a drink with Karl after the game whatever happens," said St John Ellis.

"... And don't forget your wallet," Harrison replied.

He has almost a full squad to pick from for Sunday's game which will be one of the toughest of the season.

Harrison has also been negotiating with members of his squad for next season and a number have already agreed to sign again.

"Some are ready to re-sign and I will be revealing names soon. We have achieved a great deal this season despite recruiting almost from scratch. If we retain the nucleus of our current squad we will have the stability to build on our success for next season. That stability is one reason teams like Dewsbury have been so successful," Karl said.

n The match is all-pay with a stand transfer charge of £3.