Rabbitohs’ Damien Cook hailed for explosive pace ahead of Charity Shield debut

MITCH Rein’s Charity Shield rival has him beat. In fact, South Sydney’s Damien Cook could beat just about anyone in the NRL.

Souths Damien Cook and Dragons' Mitch Rein all set for the Charity Shield at ANZ Stadium. pic Mark Evans

MITCH Rein’s Charity Shield rival has him beat. And he knows it.

“Is Cookie quicker than me? Sure,’’ the Dragons hooker laughs. “But he’d be quicker than most players in the NRL.

“The guy was actually a beach sprinter for a few years ... and a winger when we met.”

So could this really be South Sydney’s next No.9?

For when Rein talks of ‘Cookie’, he means Rabbitohs recruit Damien Cook. The former Illawarra Steeler and junior teammate, who on Saturday will run out as his opposing No.9 in the annual Charity Shield clash.

After catching up with his old mate at last weekend’s Auckland Nines, Rein is expecting a big game from the Bunnies’ new buy.

Explaining how apart from playing SG Ball and under-20s together in Wollongong, the duo were also regular training partners as they tried to push their claims in the NRL.

And while Rein arrived in 2011, playing over 100 games with the Red V since, Cook has taken the longer route.

Souths’ Damien Cook and Dragons' Mitch Rein all set for the Charity Shield.

Playing two NRL games with the Dragons in 2013 — warming the bench while Rein started — he then moved to Canterbury and exploded late last year.

Replacing the injured Michael Lichaa, Cook topped tackle counts, broke defensive lines and revealed enough of those famed feet to have no less than Brett Morris say: “Geez, he’s as quick as me”.

Oh yeah, he also caught the eye of Bunnies coach Michael Maguire. And so now, a two-year contract in his kit bag, Cook is again looking for his chance.

Behind Cameron McInnes in the Bunnies hooking ranks, Rein reckons his old teammate will be keen to use Saturday’s Shield to prove how dangerous he can be.

“Damien’s always been such a versatile player,’’ Rein said. “He was a year younger than me but still played in a few of our rep sides.

“And because of his speed, he would earn time at fullback, on the wing, wherever the coach would play him.

“He’s versatile, athletic and super fast. Honestly, there wouldn’t be too many players in the NRL who can beat him.”

“Rabbitohs and Dragons Members and fans can support their teams as well as their Clubs’ chosen charities at Saturday’s Charity Shield match. The Rabbitohs’ proceeds from the game go towards Souths Cares’ Employment, Education and Healthy and Active Lifestyles programs. The Dragons are supporting The St George Foundation with their proceeds from the game. Tickets are available through Ticketek.”

Originally published as Rabbitohs’ Damien Cook hailed for explosive pace ahead of Charity Shield debut