Sam Burgess’ knee injury is not as bad as first feared.
The England star is set to return in “the next few weeks” after consultation with a knee specialist.
Burgess limped off during the first-half of England’s defeat to Australia and didn’t return as England went down 18-4.
Initial fears were that Slammin’ Sam had suffered a medial ligament injury, and would miss three to four weeks of action.
However, Wayne Bennett has now confirmed that the 28-year-old is likely to return earlier than expected.
“He’ll be a loss, but we expect to see him back soon in the next few weeks and pushing for a place in the squad as we aim to make the quarter and semi-finals.
“Sam’s a tough player and he will be doing everything required of him to get fit again. We’ve got a good team here and everyone is behind each other, on and off the field.”