KEIGHLEY COUGARS coach Alan Kilshaw is looking forward to the challenges of the new-style Championship – and believes removing the trapdoor which existed between the old tiers two and three could help with progressing young players across the game.
While he was at the helm of Rochdale, Hunslet and Swinton before taking charge at Cougar Park in April, the 43-year-old previously held a range of development coaching roles, including posts at Warrington and with the England Youth and Academy sides.
While he accepts there is always pressure to win games, helping shape future stars remains important to Kilshaw, who has tried to balance experience and potential in his reshaped squad.
Signings include fullback or winger Dylan Proud from the Leeds Reserves ranks, outside back or second rower Leo Skerrett-Evans from Castleford, former Newcastle Thunder forward Nathan Rushworth and one-time Bradford Academy back Waldimar Matahwa from the student game.
As well as Kilshaw and his staff, they will learn from seasoned operators such as centre Junior Nuu, halfback Matty Beharrell and pack players George Flanagan, now 39, Dan Parker and Mark Ioane.
Kilshaw was encouraged by the emergence of such as fullback Connor Sayner, outside back Oliver Whitford and prop Leo Aliyu during a difficult 2025 campaign as he tried to bring stability after earlier upheaval.
“The aim is to challenge far more, of course, and this pre-season is helping us get some more crucial cohesion,” he commented.
“We know we will be playing some strong sides who were pushing in the Championship last season, so it was important to have plenty of know-how and experience.
“But we also have the longer term in mind, and I wanted to bring in younger players we can develop for the future.
“Not having the threat of relegation can help that, because it takes away some of the pressure on coaches to get instant results and allows players who are still learning to get more minutes.”
Keighley host Sheffield Eagles in a pre-season match on Saturday (3pm).