NRL fans react to major news about Rabbitohs star Damien Cook

Damien Cook's NRL future has finally been resolved after weeks of speculation, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday confirming that they've re-signed the New South Wales Origin hooker until the end of 2025. Cook had been free to negotiate with other clubs since November 1, due to the fact he only had one year left on his previous deal.

However, Cook and the Rabbitohs have put pen to paper on a fresh deal that will see him remain at the Bunnies for an additional two years. The re-signing of the 31-year-old star means Cook's new deal won't expire until after his 34th birthday.

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Cook's re-signing is the first move in what is expected to be a busy off-season period of negotiations for South Sydney, who are also hoping to tie down superstars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker - both of whom also have one year left on their deals and are free to speak to other clubs.

A late bloomer, Cook did not became a regular first-grader until the 2016 season but has gone on to play 170 NRL games, developing a reputation for his work ethic in the middle of the park and ability to move the ruck along. Cook has not missed a single State of Origin game since making his debut for NSW in the 2018 series opener but was demoted to the bench in game two of this year's series.

He received the 2018 Dally M Hooker of the Year award and played for the Rabbitohs in their 2021 grand final loss to Penrith. Cook said on Friday he was delighted to be continuing his journey in the red and green of South Sydney for the next three years.

"I'm really excited about signing this new deal as I know we have some great opportunities in front of us over the next few years," Cook said. Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison added: "Cooky is the epitome of professionalism in the modern game. His attitude to his training and his game preparation is unmatched,"

The club will now turn their attention to securing Mitchell and Walker but may need to wait until the 2024 salary cap is revealed with the league's new collective-bargaining agreement. Mitchell has previously expressed his frustration at the pace of negotiations between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association, which have stretched well into the off-season.

Rabbitohs expected to announce more deals soon

However, Nine rugby league reporter Danny Weidler suggested on Friday afternoon that new deals for Mitchell and Walker would be announced by the Rabbitohs next week. "Expect Souths to announce the contract extension of Damien Cook today. Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker new deals to be made public early next week," Weidler tweeted shortly before the Cook re-signing was confirmed.

Tying up the classy trio would be a massive boost for coach Jason Demetriou, heading into his second season with the Bunnies in 2023. The rookie mentor guided the Rabbitohs into the finals during his first season at the helm after they finished seventh on the ladder in 2022.

The Rabbitohs then went on a brilliant run in the finals that took them all the way to the preliminary final after beating the Roosters in the first week and the Cronulla Sharks in the second week of the playoffs. South Sydney's run eventually ended in the last-four after they were defeated 32-12 by eventual premiers, Penrith.

Keeping his star-studded side together loomed key for Demetriou as he sets his sights on improving on a superb first season in charge. Tying down NSW Origin star Cook is a crucial first step, with league fans taking to social media on Friday to react to the development.

with AAP

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