Did Burgess just let slip Cook is leaving the Rabbitohs?

[Glasgow]

Did Sam Burgess accidentally let slip that star teammate Damien Cook is leaving the Rabbitohs?

That’s the question being asked, after the South Sydney skipper clearly began saying Damien when he was talking to reporters about the players leaving the club.

He quickly checked his response and instead named Jason Clark but it has certainly set tongues wagging considering the ongoing speculation about the Australian No.9’s future.

“We lose Angus (Crichton) and Dami... er, ah Angus and Jason Clark,” he said on Monday.

It could be a case of simply naming the wrong player, but there could be more to it too.

Cook has a close relationship with his former mentor Anthony Seibold — having invited the coach to his wedding — and the Broncos are reportedly one of four clubs hotly chasing his signature.

He’s contracted to Souths until the end of the 2019 season, but as we know that means very little in rugby league these days.

The Rabbitohs would be reluctant to release a player of Cook’s quality, but if he was to head to Brisbane, Wayne Bennett may look for a trade with Andrew McCullough.

They also have a good young talent in Billy Brittain waiting in the wings.

The Wests Tigers are also considered front-runners for Cook’s services, as they have the pulling power of another of the 27-year-old’s former coaches — Michael Maguire.