Cougars player-coach Paul March has warned his resurgent side they must be physically and mentally prepared for Sunday’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup encounter against Siddal (3.30pm) as they look to avoid a potential banana skin.

Keighley will go into the third-round clash – which takes place at rugby union club Huddersfield YMCA’s ground – on the back of a three-match winning run in the league, which has got their season up and running.

After beating York City Knights to end a run of six straight defeats, Cougars claimed a dramatic victory over Barrow at Cougar Park on Good Friday before winning at Hunslet on Easter Monday.

The winning sequence has poured confidence into March’s players ahead of their Cup tie against Halifax-based Siddal, a renowned amateur outfit who are currently fourth in the National Conference League Premier Division.

March – who will remain sidelined with a rib injury – said: “I know a lot about Siddal, having coached in the amateur ranks, and they’re a good side at that level.

“We should have too much for them but we need to be physically and mentally prepared for this game.

“It’s going to be a tough test and, as long as we come up with the right attitude, then our ability can take over.

“Make no mistake, Siddal are one of the top amateur sides and they will ask some questions of us.

“But the lads have had a bit of time to recharge their batteries this week and will come back in for training tonight raring to go.”

The match has been moved to Huddersfield YMCA due to Siddal’s home ground not being suitable.

March, a former Huddersfield Giants player, said: “I know YMCA’s ground because I played at Huddersfield and that’s where the Giants’ Academy side plays.

“It’s a nice wide field and it has been said Siddal’s ground isn’t suitable because it’s an amateur ground.

“I don’t think Huddersfield YMCA is a suitable ground but the RFL have made a decision to play it there and we’re fine with that.

“It’s a big pitch and should suit our style of play. It’s their cup final, so we need to fight fire with fire.”

March will ring the changes for Sunday’s game and may look to rest certain players after a gruelling period for his team over Easter.

Danny Jones and Elliott Cosgrove picked up knocks against Barrow but were passed fit to play against Hunslet on Monday.

He added: “We will certainly not be taking Siddal lightly and will give them the respect they deserve.

“We’ve been improving in recent weeks and have showed that improvement with the results in our last three games.

“Now we’ve got a chance to make it four wins on the bounce and have to make sure we take it.”