Origin rivals prepare for major audition
He took down Queensland star Harry Grant at Magic Round, and now Damien Cook can move one step closer to winning back his NSW starting spot when he takes on Blues teammate Api Koroisau in what could be a telling Origin audition.
Saturday’s game at Accor Stadium isn’t going to be the deciding factor for Blues coach Brad Fittler, but it could help him decide who gets the nod for the series opener in Adelaide on May 31.
Cook and Koroisau have had strong starts to the year, with South Sydney’s early success a big plus for their speedy dummy-half, who started his first 13 Origin games but came off the bench in the final two matches last year.
Koroisau’s hopes will receive a huge boost if his former teammates Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai retain their spots in the halves, while a thirdstraight win for the Tigers would also help his chances of keeping the starting spot.
“I always look forward to playing against the good hookers of the game, and Api is definitely up there as one of the best,” said Cook, who has made the fourth-most tackles this season.
“I had Harry as well last week, so I always enjoy those little battles that come along in footy where I can challenge myself against the best.
“I’ve always learned that you just keep doing your job at club level and keep doing what your team needs here, and if you’re playing good footy, then you’ll be selected.
“Last year is done and now you get selected again this year. There are still a couple of games for us, and that’s where my focus is.”
Cook has shown that he can easily play 80 minutes at Origin level, but both states proved last year that two hookers could be the way forward given the speed of the game and the possibility of head knocks or other injuries to spine players.
Queensland will go with Ben Hunt and Harry Grant again, with the Blues likely to follow suit, unless Fittler opts for Nicho Hynes on the bench.
“There were two hookers for Queensland last year and there were two hookers for NSW,” said Cook, who played 80 minutes in the series opener and then 46 and 28 minutes in the final two games.
“Cam Smith played on his own for a long time and we had one hooker for a long time as well.
“It’s whatever way they want to go, and that’s where you trust selectors to do that job. If you need to get in there, that’s when your full focus goes to NSW and doing what the team needs.”
The Rabbitohs star said he was playing better footy than he was in 2022 when he missed out on the World Cup squad.
His combination with South Sydney teammate Cameron Murray would cause nightmares for Maroons defenders.