South Sydney Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess has been ruled out of the upcoming Great Britain squad to tour New Zealand and PNG after succumbing to a shoulder injury.
The 30-year old forward will undergo surgery and will sit out the first Great Britain tour in 12 years.
Gold Coast Titans centre Kallum Watkins (ribs) and Leeds' Stevie Ward (hamstring) have also been ruled out.
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Wayne Bennett's side will take on New Zealand in two Tests - in between matches against the Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
Burgess played for Great Britain back in 2007 against the Kiwis when he was just 18 years old.
The former Clive Churchill Medal winner captained England in the 2017 World Cup and Rugby Football League rugby director Kevin Sinfield described his absence as 'disappointing'.
"It's disappointing to lose players, and they are all gutted to be out of contention for the tour," he said.
"The reaction we've had from all players is overwhelmingly positive about the return of GB, and that was the case for Kallum, Stevie and especially Sam.
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"He's one of the few guys in contention to have played for Great Britain previously.
"But injuries happen, they test your strength in depth, and they provide opportunities to others."
A 24-man squad will be named on the 14th October before the clash with Tonga later this month.
