GARY FAWCETT has declared the season is “far from over” as the misfiring Cougars seek to get their promotion bid back on track at home to London Skolars this weekend.

Paul March’s side have slipped to seventh in the Super 8s table after losing six of their last seven outings.

Their poor run continued last weekend with an 18-4 defeat at second-placed Rochdale and the pressure is on to arrest the slump and claim a top-five finish to keep hopes of promotion alive.

But Cougars chairman Fawcett is remaining cautiously optimistic about their hopes.

He said: “Not long ago, I said to the players that there wasn't one team in the top eight we should fear – and I still stand by that statement.

“It will take hard work and a great amount of collective belief yet I still think we can make the top five for the play-offs.

“After that, we will have every chance for promotion. The season is certainly not over yet and it starts with a win on Sunday at Cougar Park against London Skolars.”

Fawcett's positivity comes on the back of battling display at Rochdale, which saw Keighley show plenty of spirit after having to play with 12 men for much of the game following the dismissal of Paul White.

The chairman said: “We are currently in seventh place with four games to go before the play-offs having lost some key games.

“Obviously our loss against Hunslet didn't do us any favours but all is not lost. Our team's attitude against Rochdale last weekend was first-class.

“Having to play most of the game with only 12 men on the field, it was inevitable that it would count against us in the second half.

“However, all of the team need to take heart and confidence from the game on Sunday.

“It shows that we are good enough to get promoted if we believe in ourselves and our team-mates.”

Brendon Rawlins will undergo a fitness test on his groin this weekend while fellow forward Scott Law is back training following a back spasm. Will Milner should also return.