Keighley Cougars top try-scorer Paul White is enjoying being part of the promotion race as they aim to tackle Swinton Lions this Sunday at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes, in the Kingstone Press League 1 play-off final.
White, who has scored 30 tries in 24 appearances in 2015, is an advocate of the new structure that was introduced at the start of this year, which provides two teams from League 1 the chance to be promoted to the Kingstone Press Championship.
“The structure has been really exciting throughout every division, and I’m a big fan of it,” he said.
“It gives hope for every club regardless of what division they’re in. It was really exciting in Super League last week, and the Championship clubs have done well in the Qualifiers, too.
“Even for ourselves in League 1, there’s been plenty to play for and everyone wants to get promoted to the Championship.
“It’s great for the players in our division that we have the prize of promotion and it’s made this season very exciting.”
Keighley missed out on promotion two weeks ago to Oldham, but the Cougars have a second opportunity this weekend against Swinton having overcome North Wales Crusaders last week to earn their place in the play-off final.
The Cougars have been foiled by the Lions four times in 2015, which has made Keighley more determined to return to the second tier at the first attempt.
“Swinton seem to be our bogey team this year, so it’s on everyone’s minds to make it fifth time lucky,” said White.
“But it is a final and anything can happen. It was do or die last week against North Wales, and after a good performance against them, we want to be back in the Championship as soon as possible.”
The 2015 Kingstone Press Championship finals day schedule is as follows:
11.30am – Conference Challenge Trophy final – Leigh Miners Rangers v Wath Brow Hornets
2.00pm – Kingstone Press League 1 play-off final – Keighley Cougars v Swinton Lions
4.30pm – Kingstone Press Championship Shield final – Featherstone Rovers v London Broncos
See a full report from Sunday’s matches in Monday issue of League Express
