Inside the NRL: Positive news for Sam Burgess

Jenna Brooks has the latest as Sam Burgess gets some good news, plus Gareth Widdop continued to impress, and Joe Greenwood sets his targets for the end of the year.

Positive news for Burgess

Sam Burgess has injured his rib cartilage during South Sydney's 26-12 defeat to Cronulla on Friday.

The England international was forced from the pitch after a heavy tackle from Sharks forward Matt Prior.

It was initially feared that he could have been sidelined for up to six weeks, with a suspected cracked rib, but scans revealed there was no break and he could return on Saturday against Canberra.

Burgess was impressive in the 73 minutes he played. He made 151 metres, 4 offloads, and added 22 tackles.

Melbourne boost

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith suffered a pectoral injury during the Storm's 20-14 win over the Raiders.

The club are saying he is a small chance of playing in Sunday's game against Manly, but at the latest the veteran hooker, will be back in time for their round 23 match against the Roosters.

"We were pleased to find out this afternoon Cameron has only suffered a minor tear to his pec," Storm football director Frank Ponissi said on Sunday.

"While it's extremely unlikely Cameron will play this Sunday, given the player Cameron is and his resilience to play the amount of games he has over recent seasons, we will give him every chance to do so."

Billy Slater could also spend some time on the sidelines after a high tackle by Raiders and former St Helens forward Iosia Soliola knocked the star fullback out.

Soliola has been referred straight to the NRL judiciary for the offence on Slater in the 51st minute.

Widdop Stars Again

If Smith is sidelined for the next couple of weeks, Gareth Widdop can close the gap on the race for the Dally M Medal at the end of the season.

According to the NRL's unofficial tally, Smith leads with 22 points, with Widdop just three points behind after another impressive performance for St George Illawarra this season, leading his team to a 52-22 win over Manly on Sunday.

The Dragons skipper had his son running the kicking tee out to him during the game for the first time, and he was kept busy as the England international kicked eight goals, set up two tries, a length of the field intercept, and ran for 173 metres.

"It's pretty special. When I was a kid I just wanted to be around rugby league, and for him to get the opportunity to do it, he's pretty stoked," Widdop said.

Greenwood's target

Joe Greenwood is determined to play for England in the World Cup.

The former St Helens second-rower has overcome a series of head knocks this year to play 15 games for the Titans and score four tries this season.

Greenwood missed out on the opportunity to play for England against Samoa in the mid-season Test, but with less than four months to go until the World Cup, the 24-year old is hoping he has done enough to attract the attention of England head coach Wayne Bennett.

"I've been dreaming since I was a little kid to play for my country," Greenwood said.

"There's still more to improve, but each game I'm getting more comfortable and we've had the same team for a few weeks now and getting used to the players around me has been good."

Gallen re-signs

It's official. After much tal, Paul Gallen has re-signed with Cronulla for next season.

The Sharks captain, who turns 36 in August, will play on for an 18th season and he told Sharks TV he couldn't be happier.

"If I was a betting man you would probably say it's my last contract, but you never say never and I'm enjoying my football at the moment."