‘Why am I crying about Cody?’: Departing Souths legend Damien Cook tears up in emotional video

Damien Cook’s deep love for South Sydney was on show in a video released by the Rabbitohs — and it came complete with a cheeky parting dig.

Damien Cook gets emotional in his farewell video.

Departing South Sydney legend Damien Cook was moved to tears while reflecting on his nine-season, 207-game Rabbitohs career in a video posted by the club.

Signed from the Bulldogs at the end of 2015 after just nine first grade games, Cook broke out into one of the NRL’s finest No.9s during his time at the Rabbitohs, with his electrifying running game ripping opponents apart on countless occasions.

With his time at Redfern drawing to a close, and a new chapter with his first NRL club the Dragons beginning next season, the superstar hooker sat down with the Rabbitohs media team to reflect on his storied career at the club.

Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

In a poignant video, the 33-year-old reviewed his Rabbitohs career through photos, getting understandably emotional in reflection of his wonderful time at the club, a period of his life that also resulted in tremendous off-field growth.

Shown a picture of himself, Cody Walker and Cameron Murray prior to the 2021 grand final, drew Cook to tears as he reflected on his and Walker’s journey.

“Why am I crying about Cody?” he joked.

“This guy here (Walker) was the first person I saw when I walked into Redfern and he had a smile on his face that day.

Damien Cook gets emotional in his farewell video.

“We’ve had a special journey. I think, obviously, both starting late, we got our cracks late, almost played all of our 200 Souths games togethers. We’ve had a great combination on the field.”

Cook made his NRL debut at 22 but it wasn’t until he was 25 that he made inroads as a bonafide first grader, while Walker famously made his NRL debut at 26.

By each other’s side, both men have blossomed into representative stars and are two of just 10 Rabbitohs to have played 200 games for the storied club.

“It’s been a great ride with him. I know he’s been just as proud as I am of him with what we’ve been able to achieve,” he added.

“Love ya Cods.”

Speaking of Murray, who currently captains the proud Rabbitohs, Cook described the lock forward as “one of those guys that when you go out on the field you want to make them proud.”

Cook played his 200th game for the Rabbitohs earlier this season, and was shown a post-game photograph of himself, Walker, Alex Johnston and Tom Burgess, who’ve all played 200 games for the Rabbitohs.

Damien Cook of the Rabbitohs acknowledges the crowd. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I was the 10th player to reach 200 games for South Sydney. It’s crazy to think I’m in the top 10 for that,” he said.

“To think that I’ve played with a lot of those boys is crazy as well.”

Describing it as a “pleasure” to play alongside Johnston, Cook provided a peak behind the curtains at one of the game’s greatest modern props: Tom Burgess.

“Every morning, you go through pre pre-season, you go through long days, you go through losses, you go through tough times but you spend 40 minutes in the car with Tommy and a coffee you get out ready for training,” he said.

Cook also reflected on his personal growth while at the Rabbitohs when shown a photo of his wife, Courtney, as well as images of his two young children.

“Courtney’s definitely my rock. She’s been a big reason why I’m here today,” he said.

“We were just a young in love couple before we got here and now we’ve got a house, two kids and another kid on the way. We’ve done all the big milestones while I’ve been at this great club.

“I’ve obviously been at some other clubs but this is definitely home for me.”

Shown a photo of him and his young son practicing goal kicking at Souths training, Cook stated that it’s “one of my favourite pictures now.”

“That’s all he does all day. He kicks that footy. It was pretty awesome that he got to be there for that game (Cook’s 200th) where I was doing some goalkicking,” he said.

As for his daughter, the hooker revealed her bond with the club is as strong as his.

“We’ve had to break it to her softly that we’re leaving the Bunnies,” he said.

“She’s going to miss it just as much as me.”

Later in the video, Cook doubled down on what the Rabbitohs meant to him: “Like I said before, I’ve been around a few clubs but South Sydney’s home for me. I’m just going away for a bit.”

As fate would have it, Cook’s first game for the Rabbitohs came against fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters - a 42-10 win in Round 1 of 2016 - as did his last game - a 36-28 loss in Round 27 this season.

“Funny how that figures out,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Why am I crying about Cody?’: Departing Souths legend Damien Cook tears up in emotional video