[h=1]South Sydney Rabbitohs make play for Canterbury Bulldogs hooker Damien Cook[/h]DateSeptember 26, 2015 - 10:00PM
[h=3]Adrian Proszenko[/h][h=4]Chief Rugby League Reporter[/h]View more articles from Adrian Proszenko
Follow Adrian on Twitter Email Adrian
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire met with Cook, who is a free agent, during the week. The pacey dummy half was a relative unknown until he stepped in for the injured Michael Lichaa in the lead up to the finals. Cook's stocks have risen significantly since, attracting the interest of NRL and Super League clubs.
In Canterbury's final five appearances of 2015, Cook scored four tries, set up two, averaged 49.6 tackles per match at a tackle efficiency of 90 per cent and ran for an average of 42 metres. The performances have piqued the interest of the Rabbitohs, who are losing New Zealand international Issac Luke to the Warriors.
South Sydney already have hooker Cameron McInnes on their books and it was thought he would get first crack at the No.9 jersey now that Luke has departed. McInnes had a chance to show his wares filling in for the suspended Luke late in the season but, like the rest of the Souths forward pack, struggled to impose himself in a disappointing end to their premiership defence.
While Maguire also has Paul Carter to call on, the premiership-winning coach is keen to bolster his depth in the position and views Cook as player who will fit into his structure.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler had no hesitation in promoting Cook from the NSW Cup once Lichaa was ruled out for the season and the club is keen to retain him. But after investing heavily in Lichaa, it's unlikely Canterbury can offer Cook the funds and the first-grade opportunities of other suitors.
Cook began his NRL career at St George Illawarra but made just two first-grade appearances before switching to Belmore. The 24-year-old made only two more at the Bulldogs until his late-season call up, taking his total to nine.
In the past the former beach sprinter pulled beers at Helensburgh Tradies to supplement his income, but he is likely to get a hefty pay rise after proving he belongs in the NRL.
"I've had to be patient," Cook said in a recent interview. "I've always wanted to play NRL and I won't stop, I'll play as long as I can and play as many games as I can. I'm just enjoying it at the moment.
"That's why I go to training every day, hoping I get another run."
Farah, whose brother is the physiotherapist at South Sydney, has been linked to a move to Redfern. However, the latest developments suggest the club is looking in another direction. As revealed by Fairfax Media, the Dragons could be an option for the NSW hooker, although his preference is to dig in and see out the final two years of his Tigers contract.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...amien-cook-20150926-gjvj46.html#ixzz3mqpPI43W
Follow us: @smh on Twitter | sydneymorningherald on Facebook
- 15 reading now
- Be the first to comment
- Read later
[h=3]Adrian Proszenko[/h][h=4]Chief Rugby League Reporter[/h]View more articles from Adrian Proszenko
Follow Adrian on Twitter Email Adrian
- in[COLOR=#FFFFFF !important]Share
In demand: Canterbury hooker Damien Cook could be on his way to the Rabbitohs. Photo: Tony Feder
- Which NRL club are you? See who you should really follow
- The world's greatest NRL quiz #6
- Vote for the MVPs of 2015
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire met with Cook, who is a free agent, during the week. The pacey dummy half was a relative unknown until he stepped in for the injured Michael Lichaa in the lead up to the finals. Cook's stocks have risen significantly since, attracting the interest of NRL and Super League clubs.
In Canterbury's final five appearances of 2015, Cook scored four tries, set up two, averaged 49.6 tackles per match at a tackle efficiency of 90 per cent and ran for an average of 42 metres. The performances have piqued the interest of the Rabbitohs, who are losing New Zealand international Issac Luke to the Warriors.
South Sydney already have hooker Cameron McInnes on their books and it was thought he would get first crack at the No.9 jersey now that Luke has departed. McInnes had a chance to show his wares filling in for the suspended Luke late in the season but, like the rest of the Souths forward pack, struggled to impose himself in a disappointing end to their premiership defence.
While Maguire also has Paul Carter to call on, the premiership-winning coach is keen to bolster his depth in the position and views Cook as player who will fit into his structure.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler had no hesitation in promoting Cook from the NSW Cup once Lichaa was ruled out for the season and the club is keen to retain him. But after investing heavily in Lichaa, it's unlikely Canterbury can offer Cook the funds and the first-grade opportunities of other suitors.
Cook began his NRL career at St George Illawarra but made just two first-grade appearances before switching to Belmore. The 24-year-old made only two more at the Bulldogs until his late-season call up, taking his total to nine.
In the past the former beach sprinter pulled beers at Helensburgh Tradies to supplement his income, but he is likely to get a hefty pay rise after proving he belongs in the NRL.
"I've had to be patient," Cook said in a recent interview. "I've always wanted to play NRL and I won't stop, I'll play as long as I can and play as many games as I can. I'm just enjoying it at the moment.
"That's why I go to training every day, hoping I get another run."
Farah, whose brother is the physiotherapist at South Sydney, has been linked to a move to Redfern. However, the latest developments suggest the club is looking in another direction. As revealed by Fairfax Media, the Dragons could be an option for the NSW hooker, although his preference is to dig in and see out the final two years of his Tigers contract.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...amien-cook-20150926-gjvj46.html#ixzz3mqpPI43W
Follow us: @smh on Twitter | sydneymorningherald on Facebook