COUGARS swing into action with their first pre-season game of the campaign on Sunday - when Batley take on the new look Keighley side.

Both clubs are planning to put out teams packed with young players as they search for a winning formula, and they will all be playing for the place in their club's senior line-up.

"There will certainly be plenty of commitment because everyone taking part knows exactly what is up for grabs.

"There is big opportunity for the players to impress me and impress the fans as we gear up for the new campaign," said Cougar coach Peter Roe.

He added that fans would see a new look team because many of last year's squad had left the club.

"The result of these games is not important, we need to see how the players shape up in a game. There is only so much you can tell from training sessions and we want to know who has the commitment and desire to pull on a Cougar shirt for the coming season.

"The team will be largely made up of last year's Under-21 team and trialists I have spotted while watching top amateur clubs. I think there could be a number of very good discoveries but this game is when they will really prove there worth."

The presence of former Batley hero, Barry Eaton, will certainly add spice to the encounter with his old club and the game will give fans their first chance to see him in a Cougar shirt.

The game is one of the final events in the Phil Stephenson Testimonial Year.

"None of the players taking part will be taking any pay for this game, it is purely to reward Phil for a his fantastic contribution to the club over the years. We now hope that there will be a big crowd to give Phil their support and to get behind the team," Peter Roe said.

"It will be a tough trial game for many of the players who we are looking to bring in from the amateur game, and they know the score. If they are up to the mark we will sign them, but if they don't show the spirit we are looking for will have to let them go."

He added: "The search for new players is still going on. We are looking for players with a real energy and enthusiasm for the game, but the club does not have big money to spend - there won't be any big name signings."

However, fans will also be hoping he can repeat the success of his last period in command at Cougar Park, when he 'discovered' players like Jason Ramshaw and brought Ian Gateley over from Australia.

Entrance for Sunday's game is £7 for adults and £2 for children.