Cook cleans up in No.9 showdown

NSW hooker Damien Cook has warmed up for Origin by inspiring South Sydney’s 32-16 NRL Magic Round win over North Queensland in Brisbane.

But a head knock cut short Cowboys hooker Jake Granville’s Queensland audition in an injury-riddled clash in front of 34,564 at Suncorp Stadium.

If Granville does get picked for next month’s Origin opener in Brisbane, he was given a glimpse of what to expect yesterday thanks to Cook’s heroics.

Cook set up three tries and scored in the 50th minute as the Rabbitohs (8-1) rumbled to their fifth straight win despite losing veteran back-rower John Sutton (ribs) and centre Kyle Turner (concussion).

Granville was keen to impress Queensland coach Kevin Walters, with the Maroons’ No.9 jersey up for grabs due to injuries to Andrew McCullough and Nathan Friend.