Damien Cook looks set to have the opportunity to remain a South Sydney player into his 30s with the club set to table the hooker a contract extension.
While young hooker Peter Mamouzelos is on South Sydney’s books and is considered a future NRL-level number nine, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio says the Rabbitohs have begun negotiations to keep their veteran star.
“We know it’s Origin period and rep round, but in the background, it never sleeps, the negotiations and roster management of clubs,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“That’s certainly the case among a number of clubs, let’s start with South Sydney and the big one is Damien Cook.
“Negotiations have begun to extend the contract of Damien Cook.
“Now that’s interesting because we’re seeing discussions whether Damien Cook is declining in the rep arena as far as being a starting hooker is concerned.
“But at South Sydney, they definitely want to keep him long-term.”
According to Riccio, South Sydney want to keep Cook until at least the end of the 2025 season when he’ll be 34 years of age.
“Negotiations are underway, and they want to re-sign him until at least the end of the 2025 season,” Riccio said.
“So here we are in 2022, so far at least another three seasons.
“That takes him through until 34, that’s a significant investment by Souths.
“The catch there will be will Souths and Cook agree on financial terms,
“It’s all well and good to say they want to offer him a new deal, but will it be at Damien Cook’s asking price.”
Cook has been named in the 14 jersey for New South Wales in their Origin II clash with Queensland at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday night.