Cook’s hot reply to panning

SOUTH Sydney hooker Damien Cook has hit back at critics who suggest he has failed to perform in the Rabbitohs’ past three preliminary final losses.

As the Rabbitohs prepare for Friday night’s grand final qualifier against Manly, Cook jumped to his own defence.

The star No.9 has been criticised for failing to produce in the big moments during the Rabbitohs’ three consecutive preliminary final defeats to the Sydney Roosters, Canberra and Penrith.

Cook believes the critics are just looking for a scapegoat.

“I think those past games is just people trying to find reasons why we lost,” Cook said.

“If they can find me a reason of what I actually did wrong, let me know.”

Cook insists he is perfectly prepared for Friday’s grand final qualifier against the inform Sea Eagles following a week off.

He is also confident he and his Rabbitohs teammates have taken valuable lessons from their past three preliminary final losses.

“I think so; I’d like to think I’ve learnt from them,” he said.

“I definitely feel pretty relaxed going into this one. I’m confident.”