Burgess blow for England

2:40am Thursday 24th July 2008

England's World Cup hopes received a setback on Wednesday when Bradford's outstanding forward Sam Burgess was told he must undergo shoulder surgery which will force him to miss the tournament.

Burgess damaged his shoulder in the Bulls' defeat at Huddersfield earlier this month and, after two scans and a visit to the specialist confirmed his worst fears, he will have surgery on Monday.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara said: "I would like to make it clear that this shoulder injury isn't the one Sam's been playing on with for the last few months. That was in his other shoulder and has been a simple problem with his AC joint."

The 19-year-old, who made an impressive debut for England in 56-8 win over France last month, would have been a certainty to be included in coach Tony Smith's 24-man squad for the end-of-season World Cup in Australia.

He was named young player of the year for 2007 after an outstanding first full season in Super League and made a try-scoring debut for Great Britain against New Zealand last October at the age of 18.

McNamara, who is Smith's assistant, added: "What I'd love Sam to do is carry on in Super League, hopefully help the Bulls win the competition, then go on and be a star of the World Cup.

"He wants to do that too but we both realise what is right for him in this situation and with regards his long-term future."

The loss of the utility forward is also a major blow to Bradford's hopes of salvaging something from a disappointing season.

Burgess, who has missed only two matches this year, was philosophical about the news, saying: "It is really disappointing but what I wanted to do, and what I know are right, are two different things. I'm doing the right one by going in for the op now as it needs doing.

"I also know I wouldn't have been able to play to my best or do myself justice if I'd have carried on and this way I'll be fully fit for 2009."

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