DREAMS of Challenge Cup glory will be on the backburner this weekend as Cougars play host to West Yorkshire rivals Halifax on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

Peter Roe's side return to Northern Rail Cup action after their comprehensive 34-0 win over amateur side West Bowling in Round Three of the Challenge Cup on Wednesday evening.

And although that victory has set up a Challenge Cup outing to Featherstone in the next round, Cougars boss Roe only has eyes for National One promotion hopefuls Halifax.

The Director of Rugby at Cougar Park said: "All credit to West Bowling on Wednesday but we produced a good performance and now go to Featherstone.

"But this is a game which is two weeks away and we have three difficult Northern Rail Cup games before it.

"When the time is right to look at Featherstone we will, but not before.

"Halifax are considered National League One Championship contenders along with Widnes, Leigh, Whitehaven and Hull KR.

"Anthony Farrell has recruited well and they will want to come and do a job on us.

"They are well backed financially and have plenty of players.

"From our own perspective we are improving week on week -- even though we are coming up against tough National League One opposition every week.

"We are a young side with a sprinkling of experience and it is a big learning curve for us."

Halifax -- who saw off their own potential banana skin in the Challenge Cup with a 26-6 win over Cumbrian side Kells -- will provide a much sterner test for Roe's charges this Sunday.

With former Leeds full-back Damian Gibson among their ranks, as well as Aussie scrum half Joel Penny and loose forward Damian Ball, the Shay side also boasts former Cougar Simeon Hoyle among their playing staff.

Following Halifax on Sunday, Cougars face a midweek trip to Spotland to face Rochdale Hornets next Wednesday evening -- the fixture rearranged after being lost to the winter weather over the last two weekends.

The Northern Rail Cup campaign ends with the visit of Oldham to Cougar Park next Sunday.

Meanwhile, Peter Roe expects to be able to rotate players from a fully fit squad when selecting the side to face Halifax.

Cougars came through their cup encounter at Bowling with only minor bumps and bruises.