NRC Preview: Keighley v Workington

Will Cartledge and Chris Baines could return for the Cougars while Keighley coach Barry Eaton rates Carl Hughes’ chances as 50/50.

Eaton said: “We’ve had two close wins and we’ve had a good start to the year. We’re certainly happy with where we are.

“Beating Whitehaven was pleasing but our challenge is that we’re going to have to be ready for that type of game and performance every week if we want to hold our own this year.”

Gavin Duffy and Greg Nicholson are also available to Eaton after missing out on selection last week. “We’ve got a real selection headache at the moment, which is a nice position to be in,” said Eaton.

He added: “We know Workington will be well-drilled. Gary Charlton was a very committed player and I’m sure his side will reflect that.”

Town coach Gary Charlton will assess a number of minor bumps and bruises within his squad before making his team selection for Sunday.

Charlton said: “We’ve got a couple of minor knocks but we’ve now got three games in seven days, so we’ll probably rotate the squad. I’d rather have a player at 100 per cent than 80 per cent, and you never know what further damage you can do by playing with an injury. It’s just not worth it.”

He added: “Last week at Gateshead the result was the main thing. We were looking for a good performance and in the first half we gave a decent performance. In the second half we went back to the silly old ways, giving away penalties, and that’s something we need to sort out.

“We’ve still got a long way to go but we’re looking to go to Keighley and put in a good display.”