Widnes Vikings player Benjamin Kavanagh, 20, of Dunce Park Close, Elland, admitted assaulting and causing grievous bodily harm to Joel Holt on March 28.

He was sentenced to eight months at a young offender institute.

Louise Azmi, prosecuting, told Bradford Crown Court the attack took place outside Dixy Chicken at Wards End, Halifax, after a night out.

She said: "Mr Holt was with friends and on his way to the takeaway when he saw Kavanagh, his girlfriend Megan Crossley and a 16-year old, who can't be named for legal reasons."

Miss Crossley and another member of the party had an argument and she slapped the man.

Mr Holt intervened and tried to calm things down but was attacked by Kavanagh.

A witness said Mr Holt fell to the ground and was punched by Kavanagh as he tried to get up.

Mrs Azmi said: "His jaw was broken in two places and he had to have a wisdom tooth removed and his jaw fitted with a titanium plate."

William Anthony Swalwell for Kavanagh, said: "His girlfriend lost her self control and he was just trying to calm her down.

"He was fearful over what would happen to her. These actions are out of character. He has never done anything like this before. He is devastated by what he has done and understands the seriousness of it."

Judge Stephen Gullick, Recorder of Bradford, said: "This was a violent attack in a public place.

"This cannot go unpunished."

Kavanagh, who played for Siddal ARLFC and represented Yorkshire, England schoolboys and England academy, moved to Widnes from Super League side Wigan earlier this year.