KEIGHLEY Cougars will be going up against a familiar face in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, and should face a mouthwatering encounter if they get through.

The draw was made last night, and remarkably, for the third year in a row, Keighley have been given an away tie against Hunslet for their opener.

In 2022, Hunslet came out on top with a 22-6 win, in what turned out to be Cougars' only competitive defeat of the season.

Last season, Cougars gained their revenge, winning a gripping third round encounter 16-14.

Keighley will go into this game as slight favourites, having built a strong squad in their attempts to return to the Championship at the first attempt.

But Hunslet, who bowed out of the League 1 play-off semi-finals in 2023, pushed a strong Keighley side all the way last year, and will fancy their chances again, under the guidance of former Cougars coach Dean Muir.

Whoever gets through in that game faces a tricky fourth-round encounter, barring a massive shock.

The third round has pitted revered amateur side Thatto Heath Crusaders against Championship heavyweights Featherstone Rovers.

If that goes to form, Keighley or Hunslet will host Fev in the fourth round.