The world of rugby league was stunned this week following the death of former Cougar player St John Ellis.

The Doncaster Dragons coach collapsed from a suspected heart attack on New Year's Eve after a training session. He was 41 years of age.

Ellis joined the Keighley club in January 1997 when he was signed from Halifax by coach Daryl Powell. The team went on to finish third in Division One behind Hull Sharks and Huddersfield Giants.

Soon after leaving the Cougars he became player-coach at Doncaster in 1999 and forged a close partnership with chairman John Wright.

"He was real character and the game needs them. Too many coaches today sit in the stand pick up their money, although he didn't play any longer 'Singe' went into every tackle with his players and had a genuine ambition to get into Super League.

"He will be greatly missed throughout rugby league," said Cougar coach Peter Roe.

The Keighley club is gearing up for their first pre-season game when they will take on Batley at Cougar Park on Sunday, January 15.

The 'trial' game has been arranged as part of Phil Stephenson's Testimonial Year and will see many players from the club's Academy alongside a few players from last season.

"We have also been putting a lot of effort into identifying top players from the amateur ranks and this will be their chance to show their ability," Peter Roe said.

n Former Cougars conditioner, Paul Royston, owner of Workouts fitness centre in Oakworth Road, has taken up a similar post with Halifax.

"I have enjoyed being involved in the game and was disappointed that we weren't able to continue our involvement with the Cougars.

"I taught in Halifax for 17 years so I know a lot about the club," he said.