RITCHIE Hawkyard faces a long spell on the sidelines after X-rays revealed he had suffered breaks to his top jaw, cheekbone and eye socket in the clash of heads with Hunslet's Jimmy Watson during the Good Friday clash.

The half-back is undergoing an operation today to put a metal plate into his jaw and cheekbone, as well as having meshing placed into his eye socket to prevent his eye from dropping.

Hawkyard has already had plastic surgery to repair damage to his lip and gums.

The 31-year-old had been hopeful he could make a swift return to action but the results of last weekend's scans mean Cougars will be without their key playmaker for a significant period.