KEIGHLEY Cougars will be missing a key member of their backline for tomorrow's derby at home to Bradford Bulls, but they have brought a marquee name into their squad for the game.
It was confirmed last week that Cougars have entered into a dual-registration deal with Betfred Super League side Hull KR, and they have now made use of that partnership for the first time.
As has been the case for Bulls this season in their link-up with Leeds, it tends to be talented youngsters developing their game who get to try their hand at Championship rugby league.
But Cougars have brought in the experienced Jimmy Keinhorst on dual-reg for this weekend.
The centre, a 32-year-old German international, has not yet played for Rovers in Super League this season, so this is set to be his first competitive appearance of 2023.
Since joining the East Yorkshire side from Leeds in 2019, he has scored 14 tries in 64 appearances.
His presence in the backline should go some way to making up for the absence of Mo Agoro.
The flying winger, League 1's top try-scorer last season, is a last-minute absentee, with hooker Kyle Kesik taking his place in the 21-man squad.
Former Bulls players Luke Gale, Dane Chisholm and Tom Doyle are all set to face their old side, as is, potentially, 39-year-old player/coach Jake Webster.
A slight amend to the earlier squad announcement following a late change mid week.
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) March 24, 2023
Agoro drops out, Kesik comes in.
Tickets > https://t.co/T4usiTeJ2U pic.twitter.com/OfUtRCTyjT
Bulls' squad for the clash is bolstered by the presence of three Leeds players on dual-registration.
They are also bolstered by the returns of George Roby (suspension) and Ben Blackmore (knee injury).
👥 SQUAD | Bradford boss Mark Dunning has named his @ASNDoors 21-Man Squad for this weekend's trip to Cougar Park.
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) March 24, 2023
A win for Bulls would take them six points clear of Cougars, but if the hosts claim victory, they will be breathing down the necks of their rivals.
This is the first competitive meeting between the pair for four years, since Bradford beat Keighley 14-12 in the Challenge Cup back in 2019.
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