Cook’s special a $3.5m contract
HE WAS a dummy half battler who played only two games at St George Illawarra throughout 2013 and then just seven matches over the following two seasons at Canterbury.
Then, in 2016 and 2017 at Souths, he played 40 games, 22 of those from the bench.
Now Damien Cook is a NSW and Kangaroos star worth $3.5m. He is the poster boy for perseverance.
With a season still remaining on his current deal, Cook yesterday signed a new fouryear contract keeping him at Redfern until the end of 2023.
The retention of Cook was a an endorsement for new coach Wayne Bennett, who contacted the Blues hooker recently, while still Brisbane coach, encouraging him to re-sign.
The Daily Telegraph reported late last month that a mystery interstate club – believed to be Brisbane – had made a late dash for Cook, who has a strong friendship with former Souths and new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold.
Cook though wanted to show loyalty and announced his new deal yesterday.
It caps a stunning season where Cook, 27, pinched NSW and Australian honours.
“I promise to do the very best I can every time I play, for my teammates and club members,” Cook said in a statement.
“I’ve loved every moment of my time here, even the tough times, and I think we’re building to something nicely.
“Souths has been my home for the past three years and I didn’t think it would be possible to be able to secure things for the next five years, but I’m so happy that will be the case.
“I’m excited to be extending my contract with the Rabbitohs and I’m happy to have my future sorted. It’s exciting times at Souths and I’m looking forward to seeing where we can take it in 2019 and beyond.”
Cook has played 74 NRL games since his debut for St George Illawarra in 2013. He is the Dally M hooker of the year and George Piggins Medallist.
“Damien has not only proven that he is a top-level NRL hooker, he’s shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest representative levels of the game,” said South Sydney general manager of football, Shane Richardson.