Sam Burgess to undergo further tests on shoulder

Sam Burgess could potentially be out of action for several weeks, as his shoulder injury continues to trouble him.

The South Sydney star was injured in the Rabbitohs’ win overthe Canberra Raiders last weekend. He gives himself half a chance of playing against Newcastle Knights this Sunday.

“I’m not definite. I have a few tests to do later in the week. I have not trained yet,” Burgess told the Australian media.

“‘Madge’ [Maguire] is giving me every opportunity. If I’m not right I won’t play.

“I would say 50/50 – it just depends. It’s improved out of sight over the last few days. I’ve been working pretty hard with the medical staff on recovery. I’ll travel.

“I’ve been doing no rehab. There’s no point moving it. Plenty of ice and compression treatment with the physios, eating and sleeping well. It’s my subscapular.

“I’m trying to do as little as I can to let it heal as much as I can. I sleep alright. Sleep like a baby.”

Burgess is set to move to English rugby union at the end of the NRL campaign, and join Bath RUFC.

Despite that imminent move, Burgess is not going to wrap himself in cotton wool to avoid injury.

“Once you start worrying and playing like that then (a season-ending injury) will probably happen,” he said.

“I just get on with my job and nothing changes. I try to train as well as I can every day and hopefully I can play for the team on the weekend.”

Meanwhile, Burgess has this season avoided the disciplinary issues which have plagued him in recent years.

“I might have been put on report but I haven’t been suspended (this year) but don’t jinx me,” he said.

“I don’t think a lot has changed. I had a couple of high shots and a crusher tackle.

“I’ve probably missed a few times this year. I just try and play footy and enjoy my teammates.”