Burgess to have shoulder surgery after facing Knights

Sam Burgess is to undergo surgery on his left shoulder, but not before he plays for South Sydney Rabbitohs against Newcastle Knights on Friday.

The England international has scheduled the operation to coincide with his team’s upcoming byes, meaning he may sit out just two NRL games during his recovery.

Burgess will continue to play through the pain when the second-placed Rabbitohs open round 13 by hosting the Knights at ANZ Stadium.

While set to miss upcoming games against Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers, the forward hopes to be back for the clash with Manly Sea Eagles on July 13.

"I am going for surgery after this week. I am aiming to get back after our second bye so it gives me a five-week period but I would only miss two games," Burgess said in quotes on the NRL website.

"This period probably has less effect on the team. Obviously I don't want to miss any games but I realise I can't carry it for the rest of the year. I can't do my job effectively so I have got to get it fixed now.

"I have already had two reconstructions in this shoulder so I can't do any more damage, it is just a flush out or clean which has to be done."

The Rabbitohs captain admitted the timing in the season made it possible to have the long-standing issue fixed.

"If it's round 22 I'm not getting it done. I can't carry it, I'm in too much pain every day. I can't train, I can't do weights, I can't do anything. I need to get it fixed," he added.

"I'm missing tackles on it. If I get it done now it’s a good opportunity. Make a smart decision and hopefully get the benefits at the back end of the year."

Burgess has played in every game for South Sydney so far this season, completing the full 80 minutes on six occasions.