Jason Demetriou has urged fans to turn out in force on Sunday as the Cougars bid to cause a major upset against Warrington in the Challenge Cup fourth round.

A bumper crowd of around 4,000 is expected to descend on Cougar Park as Demetriou’s men seek to claim a famous scalp.

Warrington, for so long the great underachievers of Super League, have emerged as a serious force under Tony Smith in recent seasons.

The former Leeds boss guided the Wolves to Challenge Cup glory in 2009 and 2010 before steering them to the League Leaders Shield last year.

Yet they have wobbled alarmingly in recent weeks and will head to Keighley on the back of a thumping defeat at Catalan Dragons on Easter Monday.

Demetriou said: “This is a great occasion for the club but also for Keighley as a town, as world-class players such as Adrian Morley, Lee Briers, Ryan Atkins, Ben Westwood and Brett Hodgson will be coming to Cougar Park.

“Our players are really up for it and they can’t wait to test themselves against a leading Super League team.

“I’d urge all Cougars fans to get down and support us and really help us to make life tough for Warrington.

“We’re not going to roll over and die on the pitch and we want our fans to give us as much support as possible in the stands and on the terraces.”

The Cougars were thrashed 80-0 when the sides met at the same stage of last season’s competition at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. But Keighley have home advantage this time and are a much-improved outfit after gaining promotion.

“Warrington aren’t playing at their best right now and there’s an opportunity there for us,” said Demetriou.

“That’s the attitude we are taking into the game. We want to put some points on the board and show what we’re capable of – but we need the fans to get behind us and show what this club is all about.”

Supporters can pay on the day and around 2,000 Warrington fans are expected to make the journey over the Pennines.

Demetriou is well acquainted with Warrington coach Smith and his assistant Willie Poching – he has visited the Wolves to see at first hand to see how they operate.

The Cougars player-coach is carving out a reputation as one of the game’s brightest young coaches outside Super League.

He says he can learn from Smith, who has developed links with leading figures in other sports such as Manchester United legend Roy Keane and interim England manager Stuart Pearce.

Demetriou explained: “I’ve got a good relationship with Tony and Willie, plus I’m friends with quite a few other guys at the club.

“I’ve been over there a couple of times so far and plan to do so again during the summer. Warrington couldn’t have been more welcoming; they’ve been first class.

“Tony has created a really strong culture over there and for myself, as a relatively inexperienced coach, there is lot I can learn from guys like him.

“Since the draw was made, I’ve obviously not been able to go and see them at close quarters but, like I say, I’ll go there again later in the season.

“Tony is a world-class coach but all I’m focused on at the moment is trying to beat his team. It’s a massive opportunity for us.”