The real reason Damien Cook is yet to sign a contract extension with South Sydney

DAMIEN Cook has fast become one of the most coveted players in the league - but is there a chance he’ll follow Anthony Seibold away from South Sydney?

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COULD South Sydney hooker Damien Cook follow Anthony Seibold out the door?

The Test and New South Wales hooker enjoyed a breakout season in 2018, rocketing from bench player to one of the game’s most explosive players in less than 12 months.

Off-contract at the end of 2019, Cook has declined to enter into immediate contract talks and according to League Central TV there could be several reasons behind the decision.

What will Cook do? Picture by Phil Hillyard.

“The reason it has stalled is there’s a sticking point for next year. He’ll make about $300,000 next year as the Dally M hooker of the year, NSW incumbent, Test incumbent,” said Fatima Kdouh.

“He’s seeking a top up.”

However, Phil Rothfield believes there’s a chance Cook could follow Seibold out the door at Redfern.

Seibold has signed to coach Brisbane in 2020 but speculation continues to abound that he and Wayne Bennett will swap places in the next few weeks.

“I’m told that a lot of the Souths players are dirty on Seibold. They think he’s – not betrayed them, betrayed is too strong a word,” Rothfield said.

Several clubs are keen on the speedy dummy half. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.

“But a bit like Ivan Cleary, he’s got them on the bus and bolted.”

“Damien Cook is a different story. He loves the bloke. He credits him with the progress he made. Will he hang back and wait for Seibold at Brisbane? I don’t know.”

Watch the full episode of League Central TV below.

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