"It's a real honour": Damien Cook excited to lead new look PM's XIII

PM's XIII captain Damien Cook told SEN that he's proud and excited to lead out the Australian side in front of rugby league obsessed fans in Port Moresby.

The departing South Sydney Rabbitohs Rabbitohs hooker was named captain and is proud to lead a team of newcomers, he has played alongside and against.

“It’s a real honour any chance you get to wear these colours,” Cook said on SEN 1170.

“When I found out I was going to be captain it was pretty special.”

The team consists of some of the best up-and-coming players in the league, including Fletcher Sharpe, Lachlan Galvin and Tallis Duncan.

“I’m playing alongside the next generation of superstars,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to seeing their skill and talent from on the field.”

Cook looks forward to traveling to the PNG and playing in a nation with a love of rugby league even greater than Australia.

Following recent discussions of Papua New Guinea joining the NRL in 2028, this PM's XIII match marks an important “test match” and exciting opportunity for fans to see the sides compete.

Cook looks forward to a packed preseason as he takes on the PM's XIII on Sunday followed by a return to training routines.

Damien Cook will start 2025 under the Dragons side, excited to begin this new opportunity, under the leadership of captain Ben Hunt.

“I’m looking forward to getting down there and playing underneath him.”

The PM's XIII match will take place in Port Moresby, on Sunday October 13th.