Hopes that Keighley Cougars would have their Australian prop forward Brendon Rawlins back in time for inclusion in the side to play engage Super League club Castleford Tigers in Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup Fourth Round tie at Cougar Park have been scuppered.

Rawlins had to return to Australia to complete his application for a new work permit after winning an appeal against an RFL decision not to make him one of their preferred overseas players.

The prop forward is still in Sydney awaiting the delivery of his visa from the UK Border Agency’s office in the Australian city.

Cougars head coach Barry Eaton said: “I’m fuming. We were originally told that the process would take around 25 days and we’re now in excess of 30 days.

“The delay is hurting not only Cougars – he’s one of the five prop forwards in the club and with two others injured it’s damaging for us – but it is also hitting Brendon who is missing out on his match bonus payments.

“We’ve had his flight booked for some time but we have to keep changing it as projected return dates come and go.

“Now we’re just hoping that his visa comes through in time for him to return to Cougar Park next week and be available for the Good Friday game against York City Knights”.

Helen Carter, the Cougars’ General Manager, said: “It’s very frustrating for everybody but we’re doing all in our power to get Brendon back as soon as possible”.

Will he be up to going straight into the York game, assuming he's back in time?

He won't be "match fit" will he?

That said, we're a bit down on props so it could be needs must.

It must be very frustrating for Brendan, not knowing what is happening. I am sure he will be doing his best to keep his fitness levels up. I don't think that Barry would risk picking him for the team unless he thought he was ready and match fit or if things were really desperate. I think when he does return, he will be very fired up for which ever game it is, lets hope its sooner rather than later.

Brendan really is one of the pivotal players at the club.
He has that skill of coming on the pitch and doing something to lift fellow team mates.
If that's scoring a try, making a yard gaining break, or a cracking tackle.

I was right there with you GW right up to the phrase 'cracking tackle'. I would say that is where he needs to do some work, but otherwise you are indeed quite correct.

You mean to say, we nearly connected.


Note to self, must try harder.

I certainly felt something.

Oooohhhhhhheeeeeeeerrrrrrrr misses.