BRADFORD Bulls have been given a mouth-watering Coral Challenge Cup trip to neighbours Keighley Cougars.

The local rivals were the first tie drawn out of the hat in tonight's fourth round draw which was staged at Odsal.

Bulls favourite Robbie Hunter-Paul and Simon Foster, son of Bradford Northern legend Trevor Foster, pulled the balls out of the hat, with the derby set to be played on the weekend of March 30-31.

The sides met competitively for the first time in 42 years last season when Bulls were relegated to the third tier.

Bradford won both fixtures comfortably (54-6 at Cougar Park and 54-4 at Odsal) but Keighley will be thrilled to land another derby clash guaranteed to provide a bumper gate at Lawkholme Lane.

Bulls commercial manager Damian Irvine, who was present at the draw, said: "It's a great tie.

We have a big Bulls nation who will travel there in numbers."

Having suffered serious financial difficulties during the winter, the Cougars are now under new ownership led by Mick O'Neill, who spearheaded the successful era of Cougarmania back in the 1990s.

Irvine admits it's great to see Keighley back on their feet and landing a tie sure to increase the new feelgood factor at the club.

He said: "Like every club in rugby league, they have friends and it's great for them.

"They are just up the road and we can't wait for the tie."

Meanwhile, Cougars were drawn away to Newcastle Thunder in the first round of the inaugural 1895 Cup. The tie will be played on the weekend of May 4-5.

Bulls will enter the competition in the second round along with the 11 other English Championship clubs.