JODIE Cunningham has revealed she required treatment from plastic surgeons after suffering a gruesome ear injury during England's Women's Rugby League World Cup clash with Australia.

The Saints legend shared photographs on social media showing the damage she sustained during the match and explained how she later underwent treatment at Perth Royal Hospital.

Despite the injury, Cunningham returned to the field to continue England's clash against the world champions.

Posting on Instagram after the game, Cunningham praised her team-mates for continuing to "put their body on the line for the badge" and hit back at criticism aimed at the squad following the heavy defeat.

Jodie posted images of her damaged ear and how it looked post-surgery (Image: Jodie Cunningham - Instagram)

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A post shared by Jodie Cunningham (@jodiecunningham91)

She wrote: "Australia are an incredible team and full respect to them for the rugby they put on show.

"To everyone getting behind us and supporting the team thank you, it means so much."

Explaining her own injury ordeal, Cunningham added: "I had to get a bit of patching up from the amazing medical staff at England to get back out there and do what I could for the team but after the game the plastic surgeons at Perth Royal were amazing and have given me a normal(ish) looking ear again."

The 33-year-old also revealed she needed a replacement shirt after her original jersey was covered in blood.

She said: "The makeshift shirt was after I lost the first one to blood, not ideal to have to get the sharpie out but you do what you need to do in the moment to get back out there."

Cunningham's post drew support from fans and fellow players as England look to bounce back in their remaining World Cup fixtures.