Keighley Cougars have plenty of incentives to make it four wins on the trot at home to South Wales on Sunday (3pm).
Jason Demetriou’s side sit second in Co-operative Championship One but a victory over the Scorpions would close the gap between themselves and leaders Swinton to three points.
And Keighley will be keen to travel to Super League giants Warrington in the Challenge Cup next weekend on the back of another morale-boosting win.
Demetriou said: “We set a target of winning the three games before we have a break for the cup.
“We have won the first two, and Sunday is a great game for us in terms of putting pressure on the leaders Swinton.
“We want to go to Warrington full of confidence and do the club proud there but the focus is solely on South Wales for now.”
After a hiccup against Whitehaven in late March, Cougars have begun to hit their straps and show why they were among the favourites for a return to the Championship at the first attempt.
They have scored 110 points in their last three games and the good news for Cougar fans is Demetriou believes there is more to come.
He said: “When we lost at Whitehaven (24-10) our attack was rubbish.
“But at the moment, we are attacking very well and the exciting thing is we can still get better.”
Demetriou is intending to make changes to his side for the visit of Scorpions.
Greg Nicholson was handed the chance to impress in last week’s win against Workington and, similarly, other players will get their shot this week.
The depth of Cougars’ squad has been a blessing for Demetriou but has also been the source of many difficult decisions.
He said: “It’s good that there are players who are frustrated, and I’d be disappointed if they weren’t.
“We’ve got a good squad of 23 or 24 players who could easily play first-team footy, and I’m happy to have that luxury.
“I’ve been pleased with the way players have responded when they’re not in the team.
“They have to maintain standards and know that if they don’t, they won’t play the following week.
“They have to have the right attitude and perform in the reserves with the right attitude, and that’s why Greg Nic got his chance.
“He hasn’t complained or moaned about the situation and has just got on with it. I’ll be looking to give a few more players game-time this week too.”
One position where Cougars’ squad depth has been evident is full back.
Craig Moss stepped back in when James Haythornthwaite missed the clash with Workington through injury and staked a strong claim for a regular spot.
But Moss injured his hip after colliding with a goalpost and looks likely to miss Sunday’s game, with Haythornthwaite ready to return.
“Mossy played really well and fitted straight back in, picking up where he left off with his performances earlier in the season,” said Demetriou.
“It’s going to be tough to choose between them when they’re both fit. I could possibly look at using them elsewhere because Mossy played centre in the reserves.
“They are both quality players.”
Demetriou has also been pleased with the response to the Squadbuilder campaign launched last week and is targeting 100 members by the end of the season.
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