Castleford Tigers signing Damien Cook has explained why now is the right time for him to move overseas, after revealing that he still had offers to remain in the NRL.
The former Australia and New South Wales representative is one of the biggest names to be making a hemisphere switch for 2027, and is one of three St George Illawarra Dragons players to be joining the Tigers.
Moving to the club alongside Tyrell Sloan and Mat Feagai, Castleford have significantly improved their roster for the new season, which is something that excites the 35-year-old.
Not only that, but the change in lifestyle and being able to bring his young family across the world is an experience only a few get to do, and he is taking the opportunity with both hands.
Appearing on the UNSCRIPTED Podcast with ex-NRL winger Josh Mansour, the 35-year-old said: “There was [an opportunity to stay]. To be honest, the Dragons one, I don’t know how long that would have been before I’d signed there.
“There was a contract right there, we just had to go over some details, and pretty much could have signed it in the next week if all went well.
“We lost a game, and it was Easter Sunday. My manager received an email from Daniel Anderson saying we’re putting all contract talks on hold on Easter Sunday.”
Cook admitted that caused a ‘bit of stress’ and ultimately as talks fell through, he decided that he’d head overseas unless he could secure a return to former club South Sydney Rabbitohs.
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Castleford Tigers set for improved 2027 backs
With the decision now made to head to Super League and Castleford Tigers, Cook spoke about what the side will look like in 2027, specifically the backs.
“Castleford knocked off Wigan and St Helens, so they have the players to do it. They had a lot of injuries at the end of the year,” he said.
“Their back-line next year. Mapapalangi is another one. Qareqare, Semi Valemei. Chuck Matty Feagai in there, you put Sloan to the back. Blake Taaffe 5/8, and you put Mason Lino to seven.”
Cook spoke in more depth on Lino, who will appear in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final, with Cook claiming: “He’ll be perfect for us because you’ve got Sloany, Taaffe only played one game, and myself all new to the Super League where, you see what he’s doing at Wakefield at the moment.
“He’s controlling the game, he’s guiding them around really well. I think he’ll be a great half for us.”
Cook’s suggested Tigers 1-7: Sloan, Valemei, Feagai, Mapapalangi, Qareqare, Taaffe, Lino
