JASON RAMSHAW is to be Cougar captain for the 1999 season -- with Chris Robinson as his debuty.

Ramshaw has revelled in the job of club skipper in recent years and is one of the club's longest serving players after joining the club from Halifax in 1992.

Chris Robinson also joined Cougars from Halifax, making the move in the 1994-95 season.

The Cougtar stalwarts lead a 22-strong first team squad announced by coach Lee Crooks this week.

"I am confident we will be one of the strongest teams in the division from the word go. We have a team with a superb mix of youth and experience," he said.

The only major blow to Crooks' plans came when Lee Hansen turned down and offer of terms to stay at Keighley and moved to Widnes just before the squad was announced.

"I am still looking for another forward, but we have to keep within our budget. If the right player comes along, hopefully the money put aside for Lee Hansen can be used," he said.

Martin Wood, recently released by Sheffield Eagles, would be a popular choice with fans but he is keen to stay in the Super League and has been in talks with Castleford and Wakefield.

The squad is: Richard Aga, Nathan Antonic, Jamie Benn, Stuart Calvert, Stephen Campbell, Matt Foster, Kris Kirk, Davide Longo, David Larder, Jason Lee, Jason Laurence, Phil Own, Patrick Rich, Chris Robinson, Jason Ramshaw, Phil Stephenson, Alex Smits, Adnrew Schick, Karl Smith, Chris Tyrer and Chris Wainwright.

"We are already into pre-season training which is going really well, the best for years," Jason Ramshaw said. "Our fitness let us down at times last year, but this time we will be ready for anybody."

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