Sam Burgess set for return ahead of schedule

James Gordon

South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Sam Burgess is likely to make an early return to action from a shoulder injury this weekend.

Burgess, 30, has been missing since the Round 13 loss to Newcastle at the start of June and had an operation on his shoulder.

But he is set to be included in the squad to face Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday.

He told NRL.com: “[Monday was my] first run with the team. It was fine, I’ve got a few more fitness tests later in the week.

“I’m on track. It’s pretty good [but] we’ve got to be smart, there’s still nine season games left. We’ll make the right decision but it’s looking all right at the moment … big test Friday and we’ll go from there.”

Brother George starts his nine-match suspension for eye-gouging, while his twin Tom is still a week or two away from a return following ankle surgery.

Souths currently sit third in the NRL ladder despite losingg their last four games.