KEIGHLEY Cougars' head coach Rhys Lovegrove has admitted that he wants his side to come under the cosh at home to Sheffield Eagles this Sunday, saying that there are no benefits to remaining in your comfort zone.

It seemed comfortable for Cougars in their 68-10 win over Coventry Bears last weekend, but Lovegrove insisted that game was important for his side to get used to the "unknown" nature of League One rugby.

The Sheffield clash should round off what has been Lovegrove's ideal pre-season, with his side going up against three different styles in three weeks.

The Australian said: "Dewsbury (Rams) are big and direct and Sheffield are clean and detailed in their play but Coventry was exactly what I wanted too.

"In Super League, every team plays pretty much the same way, and even Sheffield and other teams in their division represent a certain style.

"But Coventry offer the unknown and randomness of League One. I'm structured and detailed in my coaching, but we've only produced that against ourselves in pre-season.

"So to see teams that don't do what others normally do, like with players not always wearing the same numbers, is useful.

"They're a great club with great people at Coventry too."

Despite that different kind of test, Lovegrove is very much looking forward to the encounter with Sheffield.

He said: "It's definitely the toughest game yet. They're a very good team.

"I'm a big believer in that, when you're in your comfort zone, you only see your good side. I want us to be under pressure.

"I want them to bring a strong team because it should allow us to see what we can fix (before the season starts)."

One player who might not need any fixing is exciting winger Taylor Prell. He ran the full length of the field to score in the win over Dewsbury and added another two tries against Coventry.

Prell used to play for Warrington Wolves, having converted from rugby union, where he was a former England Under-20 international.

Asked about whether that could have been easy for Prell, Lovegrove said: "Especially for wingers, it's almost a direct switch from rugby union to rugby league as you're doing the same things.

"I played union for a season and a half at Wharfedale and adapted no problem. It's only in the forwards where there's a big difference."

He added: "Taylor and Jack (Miller) both did well against Coventry and that's indicative of the way they've trained.

"I was maybe harsh on them after Dewsbury but I'm happy they've taken steps towards fixing any issues. Jack and Taylor have been rewarded with just changing a few details."

They are both likely to start against Sheffield, where Lovegrove hopes to welcome back Macaulay Hallett and Benn Hardcastle from injury.

He expects the likes of Ritchie Hawkyard, Will Cooke and Ryan Wright to be out for a couple more weeks yet, but admitted he is happy with the way his squad is progressing at the moment.

He stressed that it was still "very early days" and that he won't know whether Cougars need to bring in any signings to strengthen until they've faced the top teams in their division.