While it was believed Cook had considered retiring during the week, Newtown coach Simon Sutterby said the midfielder would remain with the club.
"He hasn't retired. He's still in rehabilitation, and in saying that he may not play this year, but he certainly hasn't retired," Sutterby said.
Cook has endured a frustrating time at the Eagles since crossing from SANFL club Glenelg, with injuries curtailing any potential impact the ex-Geelong VFL player may have had.
"I've just been having some time off and while I have almost pulled the pin on this season, I haven't pulled the pin on my career," Cook said.
"I've been doing pilates for a while now down at the waterfront and I'm starting to regain some strength in the legs and shoulder, so I haven't ruled out a late return this year."
Cook said he was hopeful of getting the chance to repay the club that put plenty of time and effort into recruiting him after an initial stand-off with Glenelg.
"A few weeks back the body wasn't feeling too good at all and I thought about it (retiring), but I've been really happy with starting to get that strength back," Cook said.
"It's been really frustrating for both the club and myself. They've put a fair bit of work into me and I've put plenty of work into getting the body right.
"I've flown over to Adelaide to see chiropractors and I've been trying to do all the right things by the club."
Cook confirmed he initially sustained the hamstring injury, which has dogged his time at Newtown, while playing for the South Australian club.
"My bad hamstrings started over at Glenelg and since I've come home I've tried to do as many things as possible to get the body right."
"I've had the one game in the seniors where I was hurt in the first quarter, but playing only one game in two years is obviously not what you want."
While Cook will remain on the sidelines for an indefinite period, Sutterby said he remained hopeful of regaining some of the Eagles' injured players for their crunch game against Bell Park this weekend.
Tim Michell, Geelong Advertiser, June 18th, 2009
Last Modified on 13/11/2009 11:34