KEIGHLEY Cougars' chairman is calling on fans to fill the home ground on Sunday as a tribute following the tragic death of one of its players.

The club has also announced its main stand will be renamed The Danny Jones Stand in memory of the 29-year-old stand-off.

The Welsh international rugby league player, described as "the life and soul" of the dressing room, died on Sunday following a suspected cardiac arrest.

Chairman Gary Fawcett yesterday said Sunday's League One game against Coventry would go ahead, at the request of Mr Jones's family, after it was put in doubt by the sudden death.

He hopes to fill Cougar Park in honour of the popular and much-praised player. The Rugby Football League is also calling on all professional and community clubs to remember Mr Jones with a minute's silence at games this weekend.

The Keighley club has also requested permission to retire the number six jersey, which Mr Jones wore.

Mr Fawcett said: "Our hearts go out to Danny’s family at this time. Rugby League is hurting after losing one of its favourite players but we cannot begin to imagine what his family must be feeling.

"The club has officially requested of the RFL permission to retire the number six jersey. Danny was our number six."

On Monday, Cougar Park, in Royds Avenue, was open for fans to gather in memory of the player.

"The show of love and support from the rugby league family and sport in general has been almost overwhelming and, for that, we are grateful," Mr Fawcett said.

Mr Jones leaves his wife Liz and five-month-old twins.

Keighley's players were due to decide after training last night whether to play this weekend's game, but Mr Fawcett announced yesterday lunchtime that it would take place.

"Following conversations between Danny’s wife, Liz, and our coach, Paul March, we have decided that the game will go ahead.

"It’s absolutely the right thing to do. Whilst it’s not going to be easy for us, especially Danny’s team-mates, this is a chance for us to pay a special Rugby League tribute to a very special Rugby League player," Mr Fawcett said.

"Please make every effort to fill Cougar Park on May 10."

The club will contribute a third of ticket sales to Mr Jones' family and fundraising on the day will be for a fund set up in his name. A charity website - www.justgiving.com/dannyjones29 - went live on Monday morning in aid of the RFL's benevolent fund.

It has now raised more than £62,000 to support people in hardship or distress as a result of a serious injury associated with RFL.

"The financial support that has been shown has been tremendous and the club encourages it to continue," Mr Fawcett said.

The team's captain, James Feather, backed calls yesterday for regular heart screening to be introduced into the Championship in the wake of the tragedy.