Cougars chief Barry Eaton believes Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash with Whitehaven will act as an important yardstick for the coming campaign.

Eaton’s side opened their season with a dramatic 24-22 win against Blackpool Panthers last week.

Some harsh lessons were learned from the narrow escape but the visit of Championship rivals White-haven will provide a real indicator of how far Cougars have come since promotion last year.

The Cumbrians have been a top-five side in England’s second tier throughout the past six years and victory would provide Keighley with a real boost for both league and cup campaigns.

“It will give us a better indication of where we’re at,” said Eaton.

“We’re really looking forward to it because it will be a tough test against a consistent top four/top five Championship team.

“They know what the Championship is about and are a really formidable outfit.

“We’re at home so it’ll give our fans an idea of what to expect and we’re excited. We’ve not been able to test ourselves against anyone of this calibre so far.”

Will Cartledge (sprained ankle) faces a late fitness test to determine whether he can feature, while Daley Williams (neck) is also doubtful but expected to pull through in time to face Ged Stokes’ side.

Ben Sagar (elbow) and Chris Baines (abductor strain) are also rated as 50/50, while Richard Jones has returned to full training and could be available for selection.

Whitehaven are boosted by the confirmed fitness of Craig Calvert and Graeme Mattinson.

“They’ll both take their place against Keighley,” confirmed Stokes, who is expected a tough test from Cougars.

He added: “Keighley will probably be at their most difficult to play against at the start of the year.

“They will have prepared well for the season, but we go into the game confident that we can overcome whatever they throw at us and that’s the way we’ve got to look at it.”

Meanwhile, Cougars have yet to receive confirmation of the penalty they will face in the new Championship season, knowing a deduction of up to nine points awaits following their entry into administration.