Rugby League World Cup: Gareth Widdop return a boost for England

Half-back Gareth Widdop boosted his England World Cup hopes by playing the full 80 minutes of Melbourne Storm's 20-10 defeat by South Sydney.

Widdop, 24, had been out with a hip injury since June but proved his fitness in a reserve grade match for Easts Tigers last weekend.

The Halifax-born playmaker replaced Brett Finch in the squad.

His return, added to that of Leeds' Danny McGuire from a broken leg, has improved boss Steve McNamara's options.

McNamara will be without Brisbane centre Jack Reed, who has undergone shoulder surgery.

Souths, who named three of the four English Burgess brothers - Sam, Luke and George - in their squad for the game, are now 80 minutes away from the Premiership final.

Meanwhile, Storm get a second chance to progress to the last four with an eliminator against Cronulla or North Queensland next week.