England captain out of series
England captain Sam Burgess will miss their upcoming tests against the Kiwis after being booked in for shoulder and wrist surgery.
Burgess’ NRL club South Sydney confirmed the forward would undergo surgery ‘‘in the coming weeks’’.
Coach Wayne Bennett had just days ago named Burgess as captain of his 24-strong England squad for tests against France and New Zealand in October and November.
‘‘It’s imperative that I get these surgeries done, and with a view to the next three or four years I need to get them done now,’’ Burgess said in a Rabbitohs statement.
Burgess’ brothers Tom and George will take their place in the England team which will play France on October 17 and start a three-test series against the Kiwis from October 27.
Burgess’ withdrawal is another blow for Bennett who is already without key players Gareth Widdop, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Ben Currie, Alex Walmsley and James Roby due to injury.
Bennett’s 24-strong squad still boasts nine players who featured in their 2017 World Cup final loss to Australia.
Meanwhile, embattled NRL club Manly has confirmed Michael Maguire has knocked back an offer to take over from Trent Barrett as Sea Eagles coach next year.
Manly still hope to name a new mentor soon, insisting they are in talks with a ‘‘number of outstanding candidates’’.
It is believed that Maguire was offered a lucrative three-year deal to take over from Barrett, who handed in his resignation mid-season and must remain at the club until July, 2019, under his contract.
However, South Sydney premiershipwinning coach Maguire knocked back the deal after weeks of negotiations, reportedly due to concerns over Manly’s facilities.
Manly assistant John Cartwright is considered favourite to take over from Barrett.
New Zealand national coach Maguire reportedly told Manly chairman Scott Penn of his decision before leaving for Auckland to prepare for their October 13 test against the Kangaroos.
Maguire’s decision is another blow for the Sea Eagles who finished 15th in 2018 with just seven wins after a season marred by off-field distractions as Barrett fell out with the club’s administration.