The Keighley Cougars, riding high after two big friendly victories, will face their first real test of the pre-season when they travel to Batley on Sunday.

Cougars head coach Barry Eaton said he is hopeful of gauging a few more things about his team during the friendly against the National League One side.

He said: "A win would give a real confidence boost going into the Northern Rail Cup. But this is going to be a tough game."

Eaton said he has had a chat with Batley coach Gary Thornton and the pair have said they plan to play two-thirds of the game with potential first team players, a prospect Eaton is relishing.

"I still don't know who my best 17 players are. We've got a bigger squad and more competition for places, and that's good position to be in. We've got 26, 27, 28 players all vying for places in the team come February."

So far the Cougars have crushed a Keighley Amateur Select team 60-12 and easily beat a Bradford & Bingley team 40-5 last Thursday in a cross code match against a Bees who he said didn't have a full strength side.

This Sunday against Batley will be a much tougher contest for a deep Cougar squad.

Eaton said: "We're going to tested defensively, so we've got to be more organised.

"This game will be a good indication of how far off we are and where we need to get to before the Northern Rail Cup."

Eaton is hoping the game will give him a chance to take another look at Jermaine Wray, who sprained his ankle and played only three minutes against the Keighley amateur team on December 23.

"I want him to play but he will only feature if he's 100 per cent fit. We don't want to risk him."

One player that won't feature until a week later is winger Sam Gardner, who Eaton said has a slight shoulder problem.

Another player who will get another run-out is Wharfedale RUFC trialist James Hutchinson, who has impressed in the club's first two pre-season games.

Eaton added: "We hope to sign James after the Batley game if he performs like he did in the first two friendlies. He has done some really good stuff with ball."