COUGARS begin their 2003 'Journey of Discovery' with a tough home clash against Doncaster in the Arriva Trains Cup on Sunday.

After last year's marathon 'Season of Survival' they have dug deep, spent three months working on a tough fitness programme, and coach Gary Moorby has brought in a string of new players to add experience and depth to his squad.

"Everyone knew last season was about survival and we came through that unscathed, but it was frustrating. It was frustrating for the fans, it was frustrating for the coaching staff, and it was frustrating for the players.

"This time we have had the opportunity to put in some serious pre-season training, particularly in the gym, and the team is fitter than it has ever been," Moorby said.

They will need to call on all their fitness and experience against Doncaster, who are coached by former cougar St John Ellis. He believes they will enjoy a top four place in NFP Division One and was looking forward to his return to Cougar Park.

But Moorby travelled to watch The Dragons in their pre-season game against Hunslet, and after a storming start from Doncaster the Leeds side fought back to loose by 10 points.

"This is a massive game for us, our aim this season is to push for promotion and we want to judge our ability against teams in the top division of the Northern Ford Premiership, and I think we can spring a few surprises.

"If we can continue the enthusiasm and commitment we have shown in pre-season training I think we will have a very successful season -- and that includes the Arriva Cup.

"The competition seems to be well organised and there is a total of £70,000 in prize money at stake, so obviously we would like to do will. With a national company like Arriva Trains getting involved with our game the opportunities for promoting Rugby League are huge, and I'm sure we will see some great games," he said.

The competition was designed to run on a regional basis in the early stages to provide local derby matches. Keighley's group includes Dewsbury, Batley, Hunslet -- and London Skolars.

All teams also play one team from another group which set up the game against Doncaster.

"A good Arriva Trains run will set us up for the League competition which starts at Easter.

The big news for Cougar fans is that Jason Ramshaw is back to full fitness after the shoulder injury which kept him out of action for most of last season.

"He was one of the players we really missed," Moorby said.

Ramshaw is to be 'Club Captain' for the season with James Rushforth continuing as first team captain on the field.

"After being out of action for a year Jason wanted to concentrate on his own performance and I think this is the ideal arrangement, Jason is a real talisman for the club," Gary Moorby said.

There will also be a chance to see new signings Ian Sinfield from Rochdale, Gareth Hewitt (Sheffield), Ricky Helliwell (Featherstone), David Foster (Halifax) and Phillip Guck from Halifax Under 21s and rugby union.

"I'm expecting some good things from all the new signings. Everyone is really keen to get into action and we want to see a good crowd at Cougar Park to start the season with a bang," Moorby said.

Chairman Neil Spencer thanked the team of volunteers which has worked at the ground throughout the closed season. "They have done a superb job, and everyone is really excited about the season ahead," he said.