Jason Demetriou admits Cougars have a huge motivation to beat derby rivals Halifax on Sunday as they look to close the gap on the Championship leaders.

Karl Harrison’s side head to Cougar Park as pace-setters after winning seven of their first nine outings.

But Cougars have a game in hand on Fax and victory would be a ringing endorsement of their own title credentials.

Demetriou’s men have not played for a fortnight and are raring to go.

The Cougars player-coach said: “Halifax are top of the tree at the moment and the motivation is massive for us because we could go within a point of the top if we beat them and still have a game in hand.

“That would be a real plus. We want to get some continuity now and build towards the back end of the season.

“We had last weekend off so we’ve had two weeks to prepare and have had plenty of time to look at Halifax and their strengths and weaknesses.

“For me, Sean Penkywicz is Halifax’s key man with his go-forward.

“You take him out of the game and you go a long way towards beating them.

“He’s so dynamic out of acting half and one of the best hookers in the competition.”

Demetriou is a confirmed admirer of former Batley and Salford boss Harrison, saying: “Karl has shown that he can motivate players on smaller budgets.

“He’s done at Halifax what he did at Batley by turning the club that was struggling into a top-four club.

“That’s why they were probably sad to see him go.

“Karl left Batley in fantastic shape and he’s gone to Halifax and put together a really strong squad.

“You’d probably say they were title favourites at this stage.

“We played them over there in the wet (Halifax won 13-12) and it was a really tough game. I’m sure this weekend is going to be even tougher.

“I think they could be back up to full strength and coming here looking to get the win.”

On the fitness of his squad, Demetriou added: “Andy Shickell (shoulder) is a doubt but Brendon Rawlins (ribs) is fine.”