Firstly, Peter Roe. Back at Keighley after a sojourn of 15 years, as coach of Barrow last season he cajoled his charges into their only win of the season against... er... well... us actually. He's a wily old bugger who does his homework and formulates a gameplan accordingly. For those particularly sensitive to the effects of deja vu, last season's success was built on a direct, no-frills approach revolving around an influential scrum half with an exceptional kicking game.

Uncomfortable exhibit B: Barry Eaton. Roe's assistant coach and on-field leader, we all know what 'can I kick it?' Barry is all about. Now the old head in a relatively new and inexperienced side, Eaton will relish the opportunity to lead from the front; but not as much as he'll relish the opportunity to kick teams to death down the infamous Lawkhome slope.

As a benchmark, Keighley's game against Halifax last week shows how, already, Roe and Eaton's influence will stand the Cougars in good stead this season. Going down 38-10 to a 'fax side that fancies its chances this term, reports confirm that Keighley dug in and battled well for long periods.

Pick of the side last week were props Phil Stephenson and Tobias Williams who provide traction up front in a side that Peter Roe admits '...lacks a bit of size and experience...'. Hooker Jon Wainhouse also caught the eye with a spiky non-stop performance

In the aftermath Barry Eaton said: We've certainly not been left despondent by the way we played. Halifax are a good side and will beat a lot of teams this year. Rochdale are very similar - very strong and physical - and it will probably be a similar game. Hopefully we’ll produce a better performance and go well against them.

Back at Spotland, Darren Abram will have had quite a lot to think about after Wednesday's 12-man victory over Oldham. Certainly the half backs didn't fire too convincingly, but Matt Firth's return to Cougar Park should help him raise his game.

The only doubt for Sunday is Paul Anderson, who picked up a dead leg against Oldham. He'll undergo a fitness check in training prior to Sunday. Back in the frame for places are Lee Patterson who has recovered from his hamstring tweak, while Casey Mayberry and Phil Farrell are also available again.

With Dazza still shuffling his players in search of the right combination, this should be another tight, tactical game. Indeed, games at Lawkhome Lane are often unpredictable - which makes for interesting viewing.

So get yourself over the hill to Keighley and lend us your voice. We'll be in our usual spot on the popular side, but we'll see you in the excellent Cougar Bar under the main stand for drinkies beforehand if you're there early. Come on - it's been a long off-season. You'd be mad to miss it.