Burgess injury a body blow for Bradford and England

England's World Cup hopes have been dealt a heavy blow by the loss of Sam Burgess, who will not play again this year following shoulder surgery.

The Bradford forward, although only 19, was a key man in Tony Smith's plans for the tournament, but scans have shown he needs an operation now if he is to be fit for next season.

"What I'd like Sam to do is carry on in Super League, hopefully help the Bulls to win the competition, then go on to be a star of the World Cup," said his club coach, Steve McNamara, who is also an assistant with England. "He wants to do that too, but we both realise what is right for his long-term future."

Burgess admitted to being bitterly disappointed. "But I wouldn't have been able to play to my best or do myself justice if I'd carried on," he said.

Burgess's absence could create an opportunity for the former Bradford prop, Stuart Fielden, who has shown glimpses of his old form for Wigan this season. "There are a good number of international quality players available in the forwards," said Smith. "Sam is a tremendous young talent and will have the chance to play plenty of international rugby in the future."

Salford have made their first signing since learning they have been awarded a Super League licence for the next three years, recruiting the 28-year-old North Queensland prop, Ray Cashmere, on a three-year contract. "Ray is one of the best props in the NRL," said Salford's director of rugby, Steve Simms.

The club's coach, Shaun McRae, has also admitted an interest in Paul Cooke, whose future at Hull KR is uncertain amid rumours of training ground misdemeanours.

The Toulouse Olympique winger Frédéric Vaccari has signed a two-year deal for Catalan Dragons following his club's failure to land a place in Super League.