NRL News: How Damien Cook will be deployed by Dragons coach Shane Flanagan

St George coach Shane Flanagan has revealed that high-profile recruit Damien Cook could emerge in 2025 with a new role. SEE FIRST PICS OF COOK AS A DRAGON

Damien Cook won’t be resigned to only playing hooker with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan revealing the high-profile recruit could emerge in 2025 with a new role.

In the first release of pictures that St George-Illawarra fans have been waiting for, Cook has pulled on the Red-V jersey for the first time since making the move from South Sydney, where he spent nine seasons.

The 2025 Dragons jersey features new sponsor Squadron Energy, replacing long-time sponsor St George Bank.

Cook, who made his NRL debut with Saints and played two games in 2013, is a major signing for the club as they continue their rebuild under Flanagan.

St George Illawarra signing Damien Cook. Pic: Dragons

The 33-year-old’s arrival will have an immediate impact on fellow dummy-half Jacob Liddle, who enjoyed a strong first season under Flanagan’s coaching style in 2024.

Wanting as much potency in his side, Flanagan has declared that both Cook and Liddle will be part of his top-17.

“Yeah we will (have both in the 17), with form at the time, a role in that obviously,’’ Flanagan said.

“Cookie, with his elite experience, brings us an ability to roll the ruck and to bring our forwards onto the ball.

“Jacob had an outstanding season this year. He was close to getting our Players Player Award.

“We just burnt the candle at both ends with Jacob (in 2024)).

“He was playing close to 80 minutes, he was making over 50 tackles and it eventually got to him in the end.

“We didn’t carry another hooker on the bench, so I feel that we can have a real one-two punch with Cookie and Jacob Liddle (next season).’’

Flanagan also hinted that his coaching plan may also include both players being on the field at the same time.

“They could be (on the field) at the same time at different stages,’’ Flanagan said.

“Cookie could be that ball distributor (as a running 13), while Jacob gets out a dummy half.

“Jacob’s excited about having Cookie at the club and to learn off him.’’

Originally published as NRL News: How Damien Cook will be deployed by Dragons coach Shane Flanagan