‘We have the team to win the premiership’: Rabbitohs lock down rep star with two more key pieces to follow

South Sydney’s premiership window remains wide open after the club re-signed one of the best players in the competition for a further two seasons.

Damien Cook is staying at South Sydney for another two seasons. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

The Rabbitohs have locked down representative hooker Damien Cook for a further two seasons, with the club now set to turn its attention to re-signing two of its most important assets.

Cook’s decision to recommit to the club until the end of the 2025 season virtually guarantees the 31-year-old will see out the rest of his NRL career with South Sydney after he joined them in 2016.

The NSW No.9 has been part of the side that reached the preliminary final in each of the past five seasons, but he says his goal is to take them all the way as they chase their first title since 2014.

This is the core four that can help South Sydney win another title. Picture; Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

That will all come down to whether superstars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker extend their stays in Redfern, with the pair tipped to re-sign in what would be a huge boost to the foundation club’s chances of winning another premiership.

“I’m really excited about signing this new deal, as I know we have some great opportunities in front of us over the next few years,” Cook said.

“This club is also part of my family.

“I’ve married my wife Courtney whilst here at Souths, we’ve had our two kids whilst being here too, and during some tough times in recent years the Rabbitohs could not have done more to look after our families and keep us connected throughout that time.

“I feel like my teammates, the coaches and the staff are part of my extended family and that’s why we’ve had some success in recent years.

“In saying that, we haven’t achieved what we have set out to achieve just yet and I think we have the team and support to win the 22nd premiership for the Rabbitohs in the next few years.

“We’re all focused on that goal and I’m really excited about having the chance to play my role in achieving that for our team, our club and our members.”

Cook scored a career-high eight tries last season. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Cook’s combination with Walker and Mitchell, as well as young halfback Lachlan Ilias, helped the Rabbitohs score the sixth-most points last season, while he also made the fourth-most tackles in 2022 before the Bunnies were bundled out in the grand final qualifier by the Panthers.

“It is fantastic to know that Damien will be part of our squad for the next three seasons,” Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison said of the speedy rake.

“‘Cooky’ is the epitome of professionalism in the modern game. His attitude to his training and his game preparation is unmatched.

“Every day he shows the young players in our squad what it takes to represent the Rabbitohs in the NRL as well as what it takes to achieve higher honours such as playing for your state and your country.

“He continues to learn the intricacies of dummy-half play and he is one of the most influential players in our squad.”

Originally published as ‘We have the team to win the premiership’: Rabbitohs lock down rep star with two more key pieces to follow