Cougars are to raise funds for Emmerson Whittel after it was today confirmed that he will need an operation on his broken jaw.

The second-row forward will be out of action for three months with the injury he sustained in the Challenge Cup win over Fryston, which saw a mass brawl break out in the second half.

A club statement read: "We have today discovered that Emmerson will require surgery to re-align and repair his broken jaw and Keighley Cougars would like to wish Emmerson a successful operation and a speedy recovery.

"Unfortunately this means as Emmerson is currently a student at the University of Huddersfield, being unable to play rugby league for the Cougars means he has now lost his only real source of income.

"Therefore, the club has today made the decision to raise funds for Emmerson in order to allow him to continue living off the field during his absence on it and this will begin with a bucket collection this Sunday at Cougar Park against the North Wales Crusaders.

"In the meantime, we will continue to help the RFL with their ongoing investigation into the unsavoury scenes on Saturday while aiding and supporting Emmerson in his recovery."

Whittel, aged 22, expressed his gratitude to Cougars in a tweet which read: "Brilliant club and fantastic support from everyone involved, I'm forever grateful."