Shane Flanagan
South Sydney Rabbitohs‘ veteran hooker Damien Cook is edging closer to a move to the St George Illawarra Dragons, with reports indicating a near-finalized two-year deal. Despite Cook’s initial reluctance to leave the Rabbitohs, negotiations with the Dragons have progressed, hinting at an imminent departure from his long-time club.
Cook, speaking to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, acknowledged the Dragons’ interest while expressing his attachment to South Sydney, where he has flourished both professionally and personally.
“(It’s) pretty nice they’re (the Dragons) looking to put an offer in,” Cook acknowledged. “I’ve still got another year to go here and I love this club, they’ve been great to me.”
However, sources suggest a resolution is close, with the Rabbitohs reportedly willing to facilitate Cook’s move by subsidizing part of his $650,000 contract for 2025. This move aligns with the Rabbitohs’ recent commitment to young hooker Peter Mamouzelos, securing him until 2027.
For the Dragons, securing Cook would fulfill their search for a primary No.9, effectively ending pursuits that included approaches to other players like Jeremy Marshall-King, who opted to re-sign with the Dolphins.
In another significant move, Dragons prop Jack de Belin, 33, is reportedly set to join the Rabbitohs on a two-year contract after his tenure at St George Illawarra concludes this season. De Belin’s consistent performance in 2024, highlighted by solid defensive metrics and impactful runs, makes him a valuable addition to the Rabbitohs’ forward pack.
As both clubs prepare for the next phase of the NRL season and beyond, these transfers mark pivotal decisions shaping the future compositions of the Dragons and Rabbitohs squads.
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