Keighley coach Karl Harrison insists try-scoring centre Matt Foster still has a key role to play at Cougar Park despite joining Halifax Blue Sox on a month's loan yesterday.

Foster, 23, has been missing through injury recently, but Harrison believes the temporary move to Super League can benefit all parties.

"There is no doubt Matt is a quality player with the potential to play in the top flight but there is no point in him waiting another two years before having a crack at it.

"At the moment he is down the pecking order here a little after his injury and it is a great opportunity for him too.

"But there is no way he is being forced out. He will be welcomed back here after a month, no problem at all.

"In the meantime he will hopefully have got his fitness back and he will be a great addition for our squad at a crucial time in the season."

Halifax are keen to take a closer look at Foster who has been one of the Cougars most potent forces in recent years.

He was the club's second top try scorer last season with 20 in 24 matches.

Meanwhile Leeds Rhinos coach Dean Lance says his side must not be distracted ahead of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup final with the Bulls at Murrayfield on April 29.

"The facts speak for themselves, we have played two games and have no points on the table so we cannot afford to let our minds wander," he said.

"However, having said that we played badly against Wakefield and probably deserved to lose but to lose away at Wigan and hold them in the second half with the amount of possession we conceded is no disgrace.

"We are working hard to redress the balance and there is a real feeling that we've turned a corner."

Lance gives two of his younger players a chance to impress in tonight's derby with Halifax Blue Sox at the Shay.

Karl Pratt returns on the right wing and Danny Ward is included as a substitute.

Former Cougars player-coach Daryl Powell makes his 400th appearance in domestic rugby.