‘I guess I’m in the firing line’: Damien Cook weighs in on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui incident that ended Api Koroisau’s series

The rugby league world is out to get Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for his controversial running style, but not everyone in the NSW camp is willing to throw the book at him.

Damien Cook has defended Tino Fa’asuamaleaui despite calls for the Queensland star to be suspended for his dangerous running style. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

South Sydney star Damien Cook is willing to give Tino Fa’asuamaleaui the benefit of the doubt as debate continues to swirl over the Queensland enforcer’s controversial running style.

Fa’asuamaleaui is just about the best prop in the game right now, but coaches, experts and even some players are divided on whether his technique is legal following two ugly incidents in recent weeks.

The Titans skipper was fined for dangerous contact when he used his forearms as bumpers to push away from Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney, who was forced off for a head injury assessment last month.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was fined for an incident involving Reed Mahoney last month. Picture; NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Fa’asuamaleaui was cleared to play the Origin opener after he avoided suspension, but he was back in the spotlight last week when he broke Api Koroisau’s jaw with a similar movement that has ruled the Blues star out for the rest of the series.

The way he runs is similar to how other big men carry the ball forward, and Cook said he had no issues tackling him just a few weeks ago when they played back in round 14.

“I didn’t have any contact where that happened to me,” he said of their previous meeting.

“You’d like to think there’s no intent in what he’s doing and it’s just a running technique where he wants to try to bump and find some space.

“It’s such a hard one because you don’t really know if front-rowers are just coming in with their bumpers up trying to do that or whether they are trying to cause a bit of damage. I wouldn’t think so.

“I’ve obviously seen those two incidents, and it’s tough because a lot of front-rowers do it. I don’t know how you can fix it because I don’t think there was any intent there, but there are two hookers who he did get hit in the head.

“I guess I’m in the firing line.”

The injury to Api Koroisau has opened the door for Damien Cook to return to the NSW team. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Koroisau’s injury means Cook comes straight back into the side after he missed out on selection for the game in Adelaide.

The veteran rake has represented his state 15 times but admits he wouldn’t be playing next Wednesday had Koroisau not been injured.

“It’s unfortunate what happened to Api and you don’t want to see that happen at all,” Cook said.

“Reed came off with an HIA and then Api came off with a really bad injury which means he misses out here but it also hurts the Tigers.

“They’re starting to play some really good footy and they’ve started to find some combinations in attack, but now they’ve lost him for 10 weeks and we’ve lost him for the Blues.

“If that didn’t happen then he’d be starting next week and he’d be starting all three games.”

All eyes will be on Fa'asuamaleaui at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: NRL photos

Opinion is divided on whether Fa’asuamaleaui should have been suspended, although the Titans skipper is adamant he’s done nothing wrong.

“It’s like the hip-drop tackle. We don’t know what the right penalties are at the moment, and this has come to light now,” Cook said.

“There are people in better positions than me to decide if it should be a suspension. There are a lot of front-rowers who call it their technique as they look for quick play the balls. I don’t think they’re (deliberately) trying to cause damage.”

Cameron Murray has praised Cook’s resilience for not giving up on his hopes of winning back his NSW jersey.

Cook is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Fa’asuamaleaui and the Maroons forward pack, with the 31-year-old desperate to help level the series after the heartbreak of losing his jersey for game one.

“‘Cooky’ is probably one of the most resilient people I know, and anyone who knows his story knows he started late and had to deal with plenty of setbacks so he’s no stranger to this,” NSW and South Sydney teammate Cam Murray said.

“He always comes back stronger and proves people wrong, and I think we’ve seen vintage Cooky this season when he’s come out and been able to prove people wrong with great performances.

“I’m stoked he’s back in the team because he’s hungry to do his state proud. I can’t wait to share some more memories with him in the Origin arena.”

Originally published as ‘I guess I’m in the firing line’: Damien Cook weighs in on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui incident that ended Api Koroisau’s series