COUGARS chairman Gary Fawcett has urged supporters to attend tonight’s meeting on the club’s legal fight against the Rugby Football League, admitting he will stop at nothing in his quest for justice.

Keighley announced last week that, along with Sheffield Eagles, they had initiated formal action against the RFL over the ineligible dual-registration players saga.

Fawcett will outline their case in a public meeting at Cougar Park tonight (7.30pm) and insisted the club will step up their challenge next week if solutions are not forthcoming.

He said: “This is not just about the Cougars or the Eagles. This issue is about the integrity of the sport and I ask all to attend who care about this.”

He added: “We are going to escalate things next week if the RFL don’t come up with an equitable solution.

“I’ll be looking to call an EGM of all member clubs, among other things, and one of the main points on the agenda will be a proposal for an independent body to review the disciplinary process at the RFL to propose and enact reforms to look to modernise it.”

Cougars were relegated to Championship One as a result of the RFL’s decision to reverse the result of their original independent tribunal, which saw Batley regain the three points they had been docked for fielding an ineligible player on dual registration.

It is understood that the RFL lawyers have asked the Cougars legal team to suspend any litigation proceedings until October 17, when they will respond to the case outlined by Keighley.

But Fawcett said: “Obviously the legal process is underway now, although I did my best to avoid this route.

“It does our game no good for people to see two clubs having no option but to take their governing body to court.

“The first purpose of the meeting this evening is to present why we had no option last week, what the case is against the RFL and what the next steps are legally.

“I’ll then move on to what else we are doing and going to do if equitable resolution is not forthcoming.

“For example, whilst the legal process is rolling this week, we will be increasing the political pressure on the RFL.”

Fawcett has proposed that both Keighley and Batley remain in an expanded Championship for the 2015 season, providing details of how it could work.

Batley Bulldogs and Doncaster would have their points deduction reinstated. This would eliminate any issues concerning Sheffield, who lost both prize-money and a second chance if they had lost their first play-off match as a result of Doncaster’s points being returned.

Cougars are also proposing that Batley, even though the above changes would mean they finished tenth and in the fifth relegation spot, would become the extra team in the Championship next season.

However, they also propose that Batley’s prize-money would be at the discretion of the RFL and that they do not participate in next season’s Summer Bash at Blackpool but would instead receive one bonus point as compensation.

Prior to the Super Eights, when the Championship is finalised, the team at the bottom would be automatically relegated. Two sides would then be relegated when the Super Eights are finalised and two would come up from Championship One.

Fawcett, meanwhile, is urging supporters who have not already done so to sign a petition supporting Cougars’ fight.

He added: “To sign, log on to www.change.org and search for Keighley Cougars.

“It will take less than a minute and we have almost 2,000 signatures so far. On top of this we are having to ask for donations to help with our legal battle.

“Keighley Cougars is nowhere near as big as the RFL and our cash is tight at the best of times.

“We’re asking for donations from £1 to £1,000 (depending on your pocket) to help with this cause. Please visit the online store at www.keighleycougars.com and donate what you can.”

Fawcett has also requested from the RFL this week the disciplinary and appeals’ panels minutes following the decision to reinstate Batley and Doncaster’s docked points.

Fawcett added: “We don’t understand what the hold-up is as we requested this information over two weeks ago.

“Under the Operational Rules, they are compelled to be delivered to any affected parties within 48 hours. On this point we have no option but to make an application to court for these documents.”

Furthermore, Cougars and Sheffield have written to over 20 MPs asking for their support.

Meanwhile, Cougars player-coach Paul March’s squad for next season is continuing to take shape with over a dozen players now signed up for 2015.

March has already pledged his own future to continue playing, while half-backs Paul Handforth and Danny Jones have signed on along with winger Paul White.

They have since been joined by club captain James Feather and forwards Brendon Rawlins and Scott Law.

Centre Danny Lawton has also agreed to stay along with Ross Peltier, Neil Cherryholme, Luke Haigh, Jesse and Jode Sheriffe and Lewis Graham.

Daley Williams has re-signed but will join Huddersfield RUFC on loan until December 1, while Aaron Nicholson has joined from Airedale Cougars and under-20s players Andy Gabriel and Liam Darville have been awarded first-team contracts.

Among those leaving the club will be retiring duo Andy Shickell and James Haley. Prop Sean Hesketh has rejoined Batley, Josh Lynam is heading to Australia, James Craven is being linked with a move to the Championship and Jack Lee will sign for amateur side Fryston Warriors.