Damien Cook, one of the NRL’s premier hookers and a long-time South Sydney Rabbitohs player, is making a significant career shift, set to join the St George Illawarra Dragons for the 2025 season. At 33, Cook brings with him not only a wealth of experience but also the hope of revitalizing a Dragons team that has struggled in recent years, failing to make the finals since 2018. His move marks a return to the club where his professional rugby league journey first began in 2013.
After seven seasons with the Rabbitohs, Cook looks forward to reuniting with St. George Illawarra and is already set to lead Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII in a match against Papua New Guinea this Sunday. Cook’s signing, coupled with the recruitment of star player Valentine Holmes, has ignited hopes among Dragons fans that the club will soon rise back up the NRL ladder.
A key factor in Cook’s decision to join the Dragons was the presence of Ben Hunt, the Dragons’ veteran halfback. Cook openly admitted that Hunt’s role in the team influenced his choice, noting that he sees Hunt as crucial to the club’s immediate future. Though Hunt’s long-term plans remain unclear, given his current contract runs out at the end of 2025, his experience and leadership have been integral to the Dragons’ structure. There has been much speculation about Hunt potentially returning to his home state of Queensland, but Cook remains hopeful that Hunt will stay on for at least a few more seasons.
In discussing Hunt’s situation, Cook empathized with the veteran’s position, having faced similar uncertainties about his career. Cook’s own journey has been marked by impressive accomplishments, including 216 NRL appearances, 17 State of Origin caps for New South Wales, and four Test matches for Australia. He hopes his vast experience can be a valuable asset to the Dragons’ lineup, even if the exact shape of the squad for 2025 is still being determined.
Cook’s arrival will certainly stir competition for the number 9 jersey, currently held by Jacob Liddle. Liddle had a strong 2024 season, and while Cook acknowledges the challenge, he insists that it will be more about teamwork than rivalry. He sees the two hookers as potential collaborators, working together to bring the Dragons closer to the top of the ladder.
Under the guidance of coach Shane Flanagan, St George Illawarra has been working to strengthen its squad, focusing on bringing in experienced players like Cook. Flanagan aims to reverse the Dragons’ recent fortunes, moving them out of the shadow of wooden spoon predictions and back into contention for finals. Cook believes in the direction Flanagan is taking, and he’s eager to play his part in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Cook’s return to the Dragons is about more than nostalgia—it’s about leadership, ambition, and a desire to see St. George Illawarra succeed. As Cook looks ahead to 2025, he’s confident that his speed, skill, and seasoned playmaking abilities will add much-needed firepower to the Dragons, helping the club push toward the top of the NRL once again.
