Rabbitohs star Damien Cook wins Philips Sports Dad of the Year gong

NRL star Damien Cook is hoping to lead his team to premiership glory this year but some things are more important than trophies.

Cook with his kids Willow and Jagger. Photo: Supplied and Instagram

South Sydney Rabbitohs and NSW Blues hooker Damien Cook may be hellbent on getting his club to premiership glory in 2022 but the star knows more than most that trophies aren’t everything.

The 31-year-old NRL veteran is known as one of most popular and genuinely nicest guys in the NRL and has now been crowned the 2022 Philips Sports Dad of the Year.

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While most of Australia celebrates Father’s Day, Cook’s real present was delivered last week when his second child, a son named Jagger, was born. Cook is already a father to daughter Willow.

But Cook knows first hand the ups and down of being a dad, having had the joy of his son’s birth, before he and Willow both contracted Covid-19, meaning he missed the last two matches of the Rabbitohs’ season.

“It’s been a hard week with Covid as Willow already loves her brother and just wants to give him hugs and kisses and help out,” Cook said.

“Because she tested positive too, we had to keep her away which was hard to watch.

“But Father’s Day will be great as we’ve been locked up for a week so I’m really looking forward to introducing Jagger to the extended family.”

Besides spending time with Willow and Jagger, Cook will now focus his energies on another finals campaign with the Rabbitohs, particularly after missing the past two games.

“It’s hard watching from home and the sidelines but I can’t wait to get back to training and do everything we need to do as a team to go one step further this year,” he said.

“I can’t wait finals footy … it’s the best time of the year.”

Damien Cook with Willow. Photo: Supplied

Cook is a real champion. Photo: Supplied

As the winner of the Sports Dad of the Year, Cook won $5000 to donate to a charity of his choice — and further revealing the man he is, he matched the donation to give a $10,000 cheque to the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House supports ill children and their families with support, programs and accommodation.

“I have just recently teamed up with Ronald McDonald house as an ambassador so it makes me really happy to raise some much needed funds for the families and the house itself,” Cook said.

“I’m very honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the sports dads out there.

“My family means everything to me and I love being a dad and everything that comes with it.

“I’m always striving to be a better dad for my daughter Willow and now son Jagger, so I’m very proud to win this award.”

Cook’s wife Courtney paid tribute to her rugby league star husband.

“Damien’s best asset for Willow would be no matter how full on or busy his schedule might be or no matter how sore after a game he always makes quality time for her,” she said.

“He takes her for ice cream every Monday after daycare, he reads her favourite book to her every night and he will participate in every dance concert she performs at home and he tells her at least 20 times a day how much he loves her.

“Plus something most people don’t know is Damien runs a really good nail and hair salon in the comfort of our home for Willow.”

Originally published as Rabbitohs star Damien Cook wins Philips Sports Dad of the Year gong