Why star NRL hooker could make the move to Super League at the end of his current deal

The South Sydney Rabbitohs announced the contract extension of Australian and New South Wales representative player Damien Cook for a further two seasons this week.

Cook, 31, has played 170 NRL games including 161 matches for South Sydney since making his first grade debut in 2013.

Since joining the Rabbitohs in 2016, Damien has gone on to represent Australia in four Test matches, played 15 State of Origin games for New South Wales, as well as representing Country Origin and the World All Stars.

Cook was the Dally M Hooker of the Year in 2018 and is a two-time, back-to-back winner of the George Piggins Medal for his efforts throughout the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

In a pointer to his commitment and dedication to his young family away from the field, Damien was also awarded the Sports Dad of the Year award in 2022.

Cook says he wants to finish his career as a Rabbitoh.

“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 focussed 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.”

Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, says he is looking forward to seeing what Cook can help the team achieve over the next three years.

“It is fantastic to know that Damien will be part of our squad for the next three seasons,” Mr Ellison said.

“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.

“We have some very talented hookers coming through at our Club and his leadership and guidance will be invaluable to them over the next few years.

“We’ve seen Damien grow as a man whilst he’s been at the Rabbitohs. He is a committed father to Willow and Jagger, and this was recognised with his Sports Dad of the Year award this year.

“We’re all very excited to be extending his time with us and we look forward to working closely with him on winning another premiership for the Rabbitohs.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, this will likely be the last contract he signs at Souths based on their stance on Adam Reynolds who left the club at the end of 2021 due to the fact the club were unwilling to extend the deal for a veteran.