The South Sydney Rabbitohs have responded strongly to rumors that star player Damien Cook is on the outs, calling the claims of him leaking information “absolute rubbish.” The speculation arose after Cook confirmed he had received a two-year offer from the St. George Illawarra Dragons, despite being under contract with the Rabbitohs until the end of 2025.
Reports suggested that South Sydney might need to cover part of Cook’s salary if he joined the Dragons next year. However, Cook expressed his desire to stay with the Rabbitohs when speaking to 9news last week.
“Obviously it’s a bit new to me, this sort of stuff, and I don’t want to leave,” Cook said. “But we’ll just get through the game and speak to my manager next week.”
The rumors about Cook’s situation included allegations that he was given permission to negotiate with other clubs because of leaks from within the Rabbitohs organization. However, the club has firmly denied these allegations.
“There have been rumors, which Souths have told me they’re aware of today, that he may be being moved on because of leaks from the club,” Nine reporter Danny Weidler said on 100% Footy. “They’ve said that is absolute rubbish … I put it to them today, they said that is incorrect. Damien will not be asked to move on early from the club. Instead, they want to honor him in the best possible way and give him the send-off he deserves as a player.”
Additionally, Weidler addressed rumors about record try-scorer Alex Johnston potentially leaving the Rabbitohs. However, these claims were also quashed by the club.
“Alex Johnston is in Wayne Bennett’s plans and he will be there next year,” Weidler confirmed.
The Rabbitohs’ strong rebuttal of these rumors aims to put to rest any uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players Cook and Johnston, reaffirming their commitment to honoring their contracts and contributions to the team.
