NRL 2022 Round 25: South Sydney to name Damien Cook after Anthony Albanese’s Covid tip off

South Sydney will gamble on Covid positive star Damien Cook ahead of the blockbuster Roosters after reportedly receiving a tip off from No.1 fan Anthony Albanese.

Peter V’landys has revealed South Sydney star Damien Cook is still in danger of missing Friday night’s blockbuster grudge match against the Sydney Roosters even if the Covid isolation period is reduced from seven to five days this week.

It comes as the NRL chairman also issued a pre-finals alert to all NRL players to “sacrifice for the next few weeks” to ensure Covid is not the deciding factor in the race for this year’s premiership.

In a shock twist, it’s emerged that the Rabbitohs are preparing to name Cook in their team for the historic opening of the new Allianz Stadium even though Cook missed last weekend’s game against the Cowboys after testing positive on Saturday.

Under the existing seven-day isolation protocols that would mean Cook would still be unavailable for Friday night’s game.

However, Souths have been reportedly tipped-off by their No. 1 fan, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, that the isolation period is likely to be reduced to five days at a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday - just in time to make Cook available to play.

However, V’landys explained it is not that clear cut.

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Damien Cook is banking on Covid isolation protocols shortening. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

“We always follow the government protocols,” V’landys said.

“However, there is no guarantee that after five days you are negative.

“So they will still have to pass the rapid antigen test. Those requirements will all still be there.

“There are three criteria that a player has to meet in order to come back (after testing positive to Covid).

“One, he has to test negative.

“Two he has to show no symptoms.

“And three, the club doctor has to sign him off.

“So if he failed a rapid antigen test he won’t be allowed back.

“Even if there is a five-day turnaround doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he is going to be negative.

Peter V'landys issues warning to players. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty

“I know when I got it I was still testing positive until the seventh day.

“This is the second time Damien has had it.

“He may have a small dose and that could leave his system pretty quickly.

“Everyone is going to be different.”

But this is why V’landys is calling on all players and clubs to be extra careful.

“I think the players and the coaches are well aware that they have to take extra precautions considering the games that are coming up,” he added.

“It was always said at the beginning of the year the team that can manage Covid the best will win the comp.

“The clubs have got to really set some guidelines for the players coming up to the semi finals.

“We want to give the players as much freedom as possible.

“But at the same time they have got to use common sense.

“Don’t take yourself into a position where a couple of weeks out from the semi finals you may catch Covid.

“Sacrifice for the next few weeks, because you don’t want to let your team down.

“I think the players have learnt how to deal with it and I think they do take their own precautions.

“And that is proven by the fact there have been very little positives in the last few weeks in rugby league.”

Players are still tested every time they enter a team environment, while they can only socialise in groups of no more than three at public venues outside of official team gatherings.

Originally published as NRL 2022 Round 25: South Sydney to name Damien Cook after Anthony Albanese’s Covid tip off