Burgess blow for England

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

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."