Burgess ready to go

Burgess: Back from surgery

Sam Burgess should be fit for the start of the 2009 Super League season, after being given the all clear by a specialist to start full training.

The 20-year-old Bradford forward was Super League's young player of the year in 2007 but has not played since July due to a serious shoulder injury.

Burgess needed surgery on the damaged shoulder, forcing the youngster to miss out on England's World Cup campaign.

He is set to return to the Bulls' side in a pre-season friendly against Whitehaven on February 1, a week prior to their opening Super League match against Harlequins.

Steve McNamara, head coach of Bradford Bulls, revealed that Burgess has been itching to return to the first team.

He said: "We are delighted for Sam. He has been chomping at the bit and, whilst he probably won't play in the pre-season game at Dewsbury, he should certainly figure at Whitehaven on February 1st."