Predictably the Arriva Trains Cup launch was delayed, but that doesn't stop the Cougars being enthusiastic about the new competition.

The press conference for the new National Cup started 35 minutes late without explanation but the important business begins on Sunday for Keighley with the visit of Doncaster Dragons.

The unveiling of a poster and the shortest of speeches by RFL chief executive Richard Lewis did little to inspire those gathered in a Leeds hotel.

But for Cougars coach Gary Moorby the only thing he is interested in is the events on the pitch this weekend when the Dragons come to play.

"This is a massive game for us," said Moorby, who has added four names to last year's squad, all with valuable experience.

"The Buddies Cup last year was not taken very seriously but this year's competition is very different.

"Our main priority for this season of rebuilding has to be promotion to National Division One, but we will still be looking to do our best in the National Cup.

"Realistically I think we can qualify from our group and getting off to a good start this season will be vital to our campaign."

Keighley are hoping to progress from the Central Division which contains Division One teams Dewsbury and Batley as well as fellow Division Two sides Hunslet and the newly-formed London outfit.

Their competitive season, however, begins with the visit of Doncaster in one of two cross-group ties against the South Yorkshire side.

"The players have been training well and we are raring to go," added Moorby.

"Keighley is a rugby league town and there is a lot of expectation there. We need to get off to a good start to set the tone for the rest of the season.

"A good result on Sunday and then a win in the Challenge Cup next week could

really set us up well and get the crowds excited."

Representatives from the 20 teams in the competition gathered yesterday to launch the competition with Lewis describing the new sponsorship deal as "an important step forward for the sport".

There are four groups of five teams from last year's Northern Ford Premiership, with two teams progressing from each group.

The knock-out stages culminate in a Grand Final in July with £12,500 up for grabs for the winners.

Favourites for the competition would have to be newly-relegated Salford City Reds, led by former Keighley coach and Bradford Bulls assistant Karl Harrison.