Cougars coach Paul March believes hooker Joe Parkinson has a big future ahead of him after impressing on his debut against Siddal last week.

The youngster caught the eye when he came on in Keighley’s 30-14 Tetley’s Challenge Cup third-round win which set up a third tie in successive seasons against Super League giants Warrington.

And he is due to keep his place in the squad as Cougars look to make it five wins on the bounce at Workington in the Championship on Sunday (3pm).

After watching his display against National Conference side Siddal, March said: “He put a smile on my face. He is one of those players who has a big future.

“He’s not had an opportunity at other clubs but we’ve had him on trial and he repaid us. I thought he changed the tempo for us.

“Ryan Smith couldn’t play as he was involved in a car accident. That gave Joe an opportunity and he took it with both hands.

“He did enough to keep his place and he should get better and better.”

Parkinson has had spells at Huddersfield and Wakefield’s academies and also had a stint in Australia.

He dislocated his thumb playing for the under-20s after joining Cougars last month but March added: “Every training session has been a credit to him. With young players like Joe coming through, the future looks bright.”

March is set to name an unchanged squad for the trip to Workington, who are one point and two places behind Cougars.

Smith has whiplash and injured ribs after his accident, while March (ribs) and Andy Shickell (hamstring) are also sidelined.

“Workington have a lot of experience and it’s a place where teams come unstuck with the travelling. But we will be setting off early and will look to do a professional job,” said March.

“We have won three on the trot in the Championship and I can’t remember the last time a Cougars team have done that. But we want to improve week on week.”

Meanwhile, Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett is delighted with the financial boost that drawing Challenge Cup holders Warring-ton brings.

Keighley lost 80-0 at Warrington two years ago but fared better at Cougar Park when the sides met last season, losing 44-18.

Fawcett said: “Hopefully it will be third time lucky! It’s bizarre to draw them yet again. I don’t think it’s ever happened before.

“It should be our most profitable game of the season and it’s nice to get on the front foot financially around this time of the year.”

Cougars will wear their away kit for the visit of Warrington on Sunday, April 21 (3pm). The change strip incorporates the Rett Syndrome Research Trust in its design, a charity which both clubs support.

Ticket prices for the Warrington game are: Main stand £20, Ground entrance £15 adult, £8 concession, £1 16-year-olds and under. Tickets are on sale but fans can pay at the gate.