Coachless Cougars put Drew in frame

Brad Drew and Martin Crompton are among the contenders for the vacant coaching role with the Keighley Cougars.

Drew, the Australian utility player most recently with Huddersfield, and former Blackpool Panthers coach Crompton are among the names being linked with the job when the incumbent, Barry Eaton, takes up the post of assistant to Iestyn Harris at Crusaders.

Drew has had a successful British playing career, but could be ready for a move into coaching after being limited by injury to nine appearances for the Giants last season. Crompton, the former Great Britain scrum-half, turned Blackpool into a force in Championship One, but has been left out of work by the club folding.

Keighley say that they have had over 15 applications for the job, which officially becomes vacant when Eaton's contract runs out on New Year's Eve.

Harris has begun pre-season training with Crusaders in Wrexham, with two highly-experienced newcomers added to the squad in Stuart Reardon and Paul Johnson.

Casteford's ground at Wheldon Road, known for the last decade as The Jungle, has been rechristened the Probiz Coliseum for what is supposed to be its last season.

Probiz, a recruitment firm, are also negotiating for naming rights at the Tigers' proposed new ground at nearby Glasshoughton.

Neighbouring Wakefield's historic home, Belle Vue, will be known next season as the Rapid Solicitors Stadium. Plans for Trinity's new ground were dealt a blow this week with the news that they are being called in by the Secretary of State.

The Hunslet forward, Steve Dooler, has been banned for four months after testing positive for a prohibited stimulant.

The relatively light suspension is in recognition of Dooler inadvertently taking the substance in a dietary supplement.