South Sydney and Australian hooker Damien Cook is confident that club teammate Sam Burgess will continue playing on despite a lingering shoulder injury.

Rumours of Burgess retirement continue to swirl after it was revealed thathe wasconsidering his playing future due to arthritis in his shoulder.

It was reported last week that the English international was set to travel to the United States to undergo stem cell treatment in the hopes to treat the issue.

This ledThe Australian'sBrent Read to speculate about his future, tellingSporting News Australiathat he would lucky to see out his current contract.

"The shoulder is a massive issue," Read said.

"He's got three years left, I'd be stunned if he saw out the three years.

"He may play one more and then be gone,

"I think that's how bad it is."

However, teammate Damien Cook was not concerned about his potential retirement, revealing that he had no doubts about his playing future.

"Sam is someone who brought himself back early a few times because we needed him back on the field to help get us to the finals," Cook told the media.

"Now he just needs a good rest and to look after his shoulder.

"We want to make sure first and foremost his health is there.

"You don't want any permanent damage to any player after their career.

"Sam has given his whole body and everything to the game.

"I've got no doubts he will be playing with us next year."

Cook is currently in Kangaroos camp preparing for their clash against New Zealand on Friday in Wollongong, with the hooker eager to avenge the loss from 12 months ago.

"It was my first game in the jersey and first loss Australia had in a while," Cook said.

"It wasn't the best memory but getting that chance was special. We didn't play our best footy but still managed to score some points.

"This time we don't want to wait for the Tonga game to get it right."

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Damien Cook confident that Sam Burgess will continue playing despite shoulder injury - Sporting News AU