Scans confirmed Pocklington fractured his cheekbone in Sunday’s brutal 18-16 major semi-final victory over Lithgow Workies, and CYMS player-coach Mick Sullivan confirmed the tackle-busting Kiwi will miss the grand final at Wade Park on Sunday, September 13 as a result.

“He’s fractured his cheekbone and, while we’re hopeful he won’t need surgery, it’s not worth risking serious implications by playing another no doubt physical game with that kind of injury,” Sullivan explained.

“It’s unfortunate for Logan, he’ll find out if he needs surgery soon, and for us it means Simon Osborne will move back into the front row with Riley Law coming back into the side.”

With lock and star 2015 recruit Tim Mortimer already sidelined for the year with an ACL tear and fractured femur, Pocklington’s injury leaves CYMS somewhat thin through the forwards, although Law’s return from suspension is a timely one, especially considering back-rower Trent Rose also limped off the field at one stage on Sunday.

However Sullivan said Rose should be fit and firing for next week’s lead-up, and the game itself, but admitted he was somewhat relieved to have the week off thanks to Sunday’s win.

“We’re all a bit bruised from the weekend, it was a physical game,” Sullivan said.

“No doubt the grand final will be a physical one too whether we play Lithgow again or Mudgee, so it’s good to have that week to heal up.”

Sullivan said his side will have a lighter week this week, before ramping up preparations next week leading into the decider - the fifth CYMS will contest since the former NRL star took the reins in 2010.

“We’ll have a breakfast and a run on Saturday, and head down [to Lithgow] to watch the first division and under-18 sides on Sunday,” he explained.

“Then next week we’ll start getting into a bit more. It should be a good couple of weeks.”

matthew.findlay@fairfaxmedia.com.au