The Cougars must re-arrange a Northern Rail Cup tie against Halifax as their opponents are instead taking on Australian champions Melbourne Storm.

Keighley were due to meet their Yorkshire rivals at The Shay on Sunday, February 24.

However, ecstatic Halifax have pulled off a coup by winning the chance to play host to Melbourne.

They are in England ahead of the 2008 Carnegie World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

The friendly on Friday, February 22 will serve as a warm-up for that contest which takes place at Elland Road a week later.

"We are delighted to have secured this game," said Halifax chairman Michael Steele.

"It promises to be a hugely exciting occasion, and I am sure the people of Halifax will have an absolute rugby league ball that night."

Melbourne are to play a friendly against Grand Final runners-up Manly on Feb-ruary 16 but were keen to play a warm-up game in England in order to acclimatise to the marked change in weather.

Melbourne's Frank Ponissi said: "We were very grateful for the expressions of interest from other Co-operative National League clubs, which were very impressive, but at the end of the day Halifax have been a top-four side for some years.

"While past form is no guarantee of how they will play this year, the club seem best placed to give our team the right standard of opposition."

Meanwhile, Cougars have announced some amazing season ticket sales for the 2008 campaign.

General manager Helen Carter said: "The people of Keighley are really getting behind the Cougars and the hard work that Barry (Eaton) and the team are putting in during the close season.

"Season ticket sales are up by 50 per cent on last year which is a fantastic boost for us.

"We are seeing a massive increase in the junior season ticket sales, which is great, and we are really looking forward to seeing the youth of Keighley on the terraces."

Following some impressive signings, hopes are high for next season and the club are hoping to boost the atmosphere at Cougar Park.

"One thing we are urging people to do is to bring banners, flags and scarves down to the matches and really set the terraces alight and create a great match-day experience for all," added Carter.

"The early bird discount is available until noon on December 24 so fans still have time to take advantage and receive their 10 per cent discount."