Rabbitohs re-sign star hooker Damien Cook on bumper five-year deal

Wayne Bennett has already pulled off a win for South Sydney, with NSW hooker Damien Cook agreeing to stay at the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2023 NRL season.

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HE was a dummy half battler who played only two games at St George Illawarra throughout 2013 and then just seven matches over the following two seasons at Canterbury.

Then, in 2016 and 2017 at Souths, he played 40 games, 22 of those from the bench.

Now Damien Cook is a NSW and Kangaroos star worth $3.5m. He is the poster boy for perseverance.

With a season still remaining on his current deal, Cook signed a new four-year contract keeping him at Redfern until the end of 2023. His overall deal is worth about $3.5m.

Damien Cook was rumoured to be in Brisbane’s sights. (Brett Costello)

The retention of Cook was a significant endorsement for new coach Wayne Bennett, who contacted the Blues hooker recently, while still Brisbane coach, encouraging him to re-sign.

The Daily Telegraph reported late last month that a mystery interstate club — believed to be Brisbane — had made a late dash for Cook, who has a strong friendship with former Souths and new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold.

Cook though wanted to show loyalty and announced his new deal on Wednesday. His new deal caps a stunning season where Cook, 27, pinched NSW and Australian honours.

Cook’s commitment shows a rare loyalty for the NRL. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“I promise to do the very best I can every time I play, for my teammates and club members,” Cook said in a club statement.

“I’ve loved every moment of my time here, even the tough times, and I think we’re building to something nicely.

“Souths has been my home for the past three years and I didn’t think it would be possible to be able to secure things for the next five years, but I’m so happy that will be the case.

“I’m very excited to be extending my contract with the Rabbitohs and I’m happy to have my future sorted. It’s exciting times at Souths and I’m looking forward to seeing where we can take it in 2019 and beyond.”

Cook has played 74 NRL games since making his debut for St George Illawarra back in 2013.

He is the current Dally M hooker of the year and George Piggins Medallist.

“Damien has not only proven that he is a top-level NRL hooker, he’s shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest representative levels of the game,” said South Sydney general manager of football, Shane Richardson.

It’s a good start to Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs reign. (Phil Hillyard)

“He has taken on every challenge that has been put in front of him and he has overcome them. Damien has become a leader amongst our squad and is a player that his teammates, at all levels, love to play with.

“We are very excited to have secured Damien’s services for the next five years and we’re certain he will excite and delight our members every time he pulls on the famous red and green jersey.”

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