DUAL registration is a controversial topic in rugby league, and the uncertainty of the system means Keighley Cougars' head coach Craig Lingard is unsure what to expect when his side host Doncaster this Sunday.

The visitors have an agreement in place with Hull FC, but with the Super League side losing heavily last Thursday, Lingard wonders whether that will have a knock-on effect for their Betfred League One clash.

He said: "Dual registration could have been their downfall this season. They started impressively and were in the title race but Hull had to recall players due to injuries, which is when Doncaster went on a bad run.

"Hull were pumped 80-10 by Warrington last week and might call players back because of that, so Doncaster could have a completely different side out on Sunday.

"They have real quality at the moment with the likes of Hakim Miloudi, who has proven himself in Super League with Hull this year, yet has found himself back in League One the last few weeks.

"Matty Beharrell is coming back too after a couple of years here, so we know all about his threat."

Cougars fought bravely on Sunday in their 54-4 defeat at Odsal, but their attempts were hampered by Brendon Rawlins earning an early red card for violent conduct.

Lingard said: "It's always difficult with 12. Brendon was rattled after his error conceded a penalty and he allowed the Bulls players to get under his skin.

"He insists he only pushed his man rather than punched him but there's no way of proving that as the video didn't catch the incident. Either way, he's an experienced player and he should know better."

He added: "The effort and attitude was there and the players gave it their best shot. But with 12 men on a big pitch, it was always going to be difficult, and we were definitely fatigued towards the end."

Cameron Leeming scored a deserved late try for Cougars and Lingard hopes the centre will still be with the team next season.

Youngsters Harvey Hallas and Alfie Seeley have signed two-year and one-year deals respectively but Lingard admitted some of the squad need to be realistic about the current contract situation.

He said: "We've got different budgets compared to the last two seasons so their terms have had to come down.

"The players need to remain in the real world because a few were hoping for Championship wages from a League One team.

"We need to do what's best for the club, and if they're not happy then that's down to them."

Lingard's main concern at present though is his ever-thinning squad, with two more players set to join the banned Rawlins on the sidelines.

He said: "Jose Kenga came off with a hip injury at Bradford and James Haynes had a back spasm early in the second half, so we'll have to assess them this week."

Asked whether it was time to get his own boots back on, Lingard laughed: "Don't worry, we're not that desperate just yet."