Keighley Cougars are refreshed and reenergised as they prepare to kick off their Co-operative Championship campaign at Widnes Vikings on Sunday.

Although the postponement of last week’s Northern Rail Cup tie at Barrow, due to cold weather, was a major inconvenience, head coach Barry Eaton believes it may have its benefits.

Cougars – who suffered a nine-point penalty last week for entering administration – were allowed their first weekend off in more than a month, giving players time to rest and recuperate.

Playmaker Danny Jones and winger Daley Williams would both have sat out the trip to Barrow but are expected to recover from elbow and back injuries respectively in time to play at Stobart Stadium Halton.

A former Vikings player himself, Eaton knows the magnitude of the task that faces his side in their first game after promotion to rugby league’s second tier, but insists they will have no excuse for not being charged up.

He said: “Hopefully we’ll be fresh, that’s one of the benefits of last Sunday’s game being called off.

“We’ve had a weekend without physical contact so it’s given some players chance to recover.

“We’ll have Danny Jones back and Daley Williams should also be fit, so it strengthens our options for what’s going to be a tough game.”

However, last week’s postponement means Eaton is now faced with a selection dilemma.

With Cougars’ qualification for the Northern Rail Cup last eight virtually secured before last Sunday’s scheduled game, he intended to rotate his team.

But, denied the opportunity, there are still several players in his squad yet to enjoy a competitive hit-out.

“It’s a nice luxury to have but it’s going to be tough to make the decision,” he said.

“The team that plays at Widnes will not be the same that would’ve played against Barrow, which is a bit harsh on a few players.

“Sam Crowther was going to make his debut at Barrow and I was going to give another couple of players a hit-out but now I’ll have a tough decision.”

Whatever team takes the field, Eaton knows they will be facing Super League opposition in all but name.

He added: “It will be the biggest crowd of the weekend. They are the best supported club outside Super League and it’s a fantastic stadium there.

"One thing we’ll get out of it is we’ll get a hostile crowd but we’ll be able to experience the big-game atmosphere and get used to playing in those circumstances.

“I fully expect Widnes to get a franchise next time round. They’ve already ticked the box after winning the Northern Rail Cup last year and look well set to push for a spot in Super League.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we’re just looking forward to starting the league season.”

Meanwhile, Cougars’ Carnegie Challenge Cup third-round game against French side Toulouse Olympique will be played at Cougar Park on Saturday, March 6 (6pm).