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England forward Sam Burgess ready to play whole Papua New Guinea World Cup quarter-final

England's Sam Burgess
Image: Sam Burgess will start for England against Papua New Guinea in the World Cup

Sam Burgess is ready to put his injury problems behind him and play the whole of England's World Cup quarter-final against Papua New Guinea to help them progress in the tournament.

The 28-year-old South Sydney forward has managed just 35 minutes of the World Cup after damaging a medial ligament in his right knee in the 18-4 defeat to World Cup co-hosts Australia on October 27.

Burgess was forced to watch the victories over Lebanon and France from the sidelines but England head coach Wayne Bennett has named him in the team to play PNG in Sunday's last-eight clash at Melbourne's Rectangular Stadium.

The former Bradford Bulls forward will pack down in the second row alongside Elliott Whitehead, with Ben Currie earning a place on the bench ahead of Chris Heighington after stepping in in the absence of Burgess in the final two group games.

Burgess back for England
Burgess back for England

England are boosted by the return of Sam Burgess for their World Cup quarter-final against Papua New Guinea on Sunday

"I'm excited to be back in the team," Burgess said. "The boys did a great job without me. When I missed out, Benny came in and did a great job.

"If needs be, I'll be able to play 80 minutes. I enjoy playing a bit wider at times. I played a lot of edge this year for Souths. It does allow you to get a few more minutes.

"It's pretty simple for me - I just have to do my job, I don't have to do anything special. The players around me create things, I'll just carry the ball and make my tackles.

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"I'll just turn up excited to play for England, give it my best shot and not let the team down."

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