Missing out on the top nine of last season's Northern Ford Premiership could well have been the best thing that has happened to Keighley Cougars since Gary Moorby was appointed coach.

When a decision to split the lop-sided NFP into two divisions was announced, the Cougars battled to make it into the top nine to earn a place in the premier section for the following season.

They failed courtesy of a play-off defeat to Barrow and had to make do with the second string for this year.

So in two days they start a season of winnable games with a realistic prospect of the play-offs ahead - a much more agreeable prospect than last year's seven wins in 27 games.

"If we had made it into the top division we would have had another difficult season of winning just a handful of home games and struggling away," said Moorby.

"Don't get me wrong, we did try our best to get through but we missed out and that is probably for the best.

"Last season was all about survival. This is about rebuilding for the future."

In this season's Arriva Trains Cup, the Cougars won three of their four ties against Division Two opposition, and also grabbed two victories against teams from the higher leagues.

They narrowly missed out in the Challenge Cup to Division Two side Sheffield, leaving Moorby's men yet to be outplayed by teams they are to face in the league this season.

"We are realistically aiming for the play-offs," said Moorby. "I think we are more than capable of being there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

"I think the balance is right, which should make for an entertaining campaign and I think we can expect big crowds down at Cougar Park this year to roar us on."

It was a frustrating season in 2002 with the Cougars scoring 488 points but conceding more than 900 in finishing 14th.

There were few highlights and many low points including hammerings by Sheffield and Huddersfield and an embarrassing defeat at Gigg Lane to whipping boys Swinton.

But things have changed immensely for the Cougars this season with the signing of players with Super League and even international experience.

The introduction of players such as Gareth Hewitt, Ian Sinfield, Ricky Helliwell and Matt Foster have added steel and composure.

The new blood seems to have inspired the rest of the side, with Oliver Wilkes and Matti Firth, both at Cougar Park last year, outstanding so far this campaign

A new depth to the squad is proving vital, with Moorby able to leave out the walking wounded for a change and the fierce competition for places is bringing out the best in a number of players.

But other sides have been bolstered in the off-season and the Cougars can expect a tough, but ultimately more successful, year in the National League.