Keighley Sport
Demetriou targets a rail strike against Batley and his old boss Kear
11:46am Thursday 9th February 2012
Cougars player-coach Jason Demetriou says his men are raring to go as they bid to open their campaign with victory against in Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash against Batley.
Cougars were left frustrated last weekend after their final pre-season friendly at home to Rochdale fell victim to the weather, denying them the chance to iron out any flaws before the serious business gets underway.
But Demetriou says his side are ready for the challenge posed by John Kear’s team in Sunday’s home encounter (2pm).
Demetriou played under Kear at Wakefield and is a huge admirer of the former Sheffield, Hull and England boss.
Demetriou said: “The Champ-ionship is the most important thing for me because it’s an indication of who the best team in the competition is.
“It’s over 18 games and then you have the play-offs and grand final.
“The Northern Rail Cup is over four rounds and is very much about who is on their game that week.
“But to get to the final in Blackpool would be massive for the supporters and a lot of people are already talking about it.
“Cougars fans turned out in numbers at Warrington last season but it would be great if the club actually won a trophy. It’s been a long time since the club did that.
“The Northern Rail Cup is becoming the Challenge Cup for clubs outside Super League.”
Asked about Kear and the threat that his side face, Demetriou said: “I learned a lot from John at Wakefield which I’ve taken into my coaching career at Keighley.
“He’s a thinker of the game and is meticulous in his planning.
“I know what’s he like and what he demands of his players. I’m sure they will be up for it.
“They have been one of the top teams in the Championship for the past two or three years and Karl Harrison did a very good job there before John.
“They are the benchmark for clubs like ourselves. We need to become established and this competition can help us on that front.”
Demetriou had hoped to finalise his team for this weekend in the game against Rochdale.
He said: “The weather put paid to that, which was disappointing, but the boys have trained really well this week and I’m sure they will be raring to go on Sunday.
“The Rochdale game was an opportunity for a lot of players to put up their final claim for a spot. It probably would have also made things a lot easier if we had played the game.
“But a lot of players have already put up their hands and others are in the frame."