Cougars are hoping to be back to full strength for the start of the new season after two players went in for operations this week.

New signing Chris Baines and Ryan Benjafield both went under the knife as their team-mates continued with pre-season training.

Prop Benjafield had a successful clean out on his knee, which will leave him sidelined for two to three weeks, while Baines underwent a hernia operation on an existing problem.

The arrival from Oldham had been hoping to shake off a groin injury picked up late last season but a visit to the specialist confirmed he needed an operation, keeping him out of action until late January.

Head coach Barry Eaton said: “Ryan Benjafield had a clean out on his knee, and everything went well. It was just a little bit of a niggle so he needed some cartilage removed.

“We were aware when Chris signed for us that he was carrying an injury but we thought it might just be a strain.

“The specialist decided he needed an operation. Normally we might have waited but we just felt we didn’t want to get to the start of the season and have him miss games if it flared up.”

Eaton continues to make progress on the recruitment front and is expected to speak to his Australian target tomorrow or Friday in a bid to strike a deal.

“I’ve seen footage of him and now I just want to speak to him to find out his plans,” said Eaton.

“He’s coming over here to teach anyway and I just want to make sure his visa qualifications are all above board and that there would be no issues.

“If all goes well, we’ll either sign him on trial or for the season.”

The Cougars are also on the trail of an Irish international three-quarter who represented his country in their 82-0 win against Serbia during the recent European Cup.

“I spoke to (Ireland head coach) Andy Kelly and he gave him a bit of a rap. He’s a young player with raw talent and I’m just waiting on some footage of him now.”