Damien Cook's NRL career appears to be drawing to a close after St George Illawarra confirmed that the veteran hooker and co-captain will depart the club following the 2026 season. The former South Sydney Rabbitohs No.9 had expressed hope earlier in the pre-season of securing a new deal with the Dragons, having joined them on a two-year contract in 2025.
Dragons restructure for post-Flanagan era
In a clear indication of the joint venture's restructuring for the post-Shane Flanagan era, the club announced on Friday that Cook would not have his contract renewed. The Dragons currently sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder, prompting a strategic shift in their roster planning.
Cook has been linked with a potential move to English Super League side Castleford, a team that already boasts former NRL players such as Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa, and Joe Stimson on their roster.
Cook's focus remains on 2026
The announcement came just a day before the winless Dragons' Round 10 clash against the Newcastle Knights in Wollongong. This decision is likely to pave the way for Jacob Liddle to take over as the starting hooker next season.
In a press statement, Cook said: "My full focus right now is on doing everything I can for this team and this club over the remainder of 2026. I've loved my time at the Dragons, and I'm determined to finish it the right way."
Cook, who turns 35 next month, has brought valuable leadership experience to St George Illawarra, but he has not been able to replicate the dazzling form that defined his peak years at South Sydney. During his prime, Cook was widely regarded as the most dangerous ball-running hooker in the NRL, earning 17 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and winning the Dally M Hooker of the Year award in 2018.
Milestone game approaching
After playing 207 games for the Rabbitohs, Cook rejoined his junior club last year and is set to play his 250th NRL game against Penrith at Magic Round. The Knights are favourites to extend the Dragons' losing streak to 13 games this Saturday, but Saints will be coming off a bye and playing their second game under interim coach Dean Young.
Knights coach Adam Holbrook acknowledged the challenge: "We're probably getting to the most dangerous time (to play them), coming off a bye and a new coach so they've had two weeks to prepare. They'll be feeling really good about themselves and it's up to us to nullify that and make sure we play well."
Ponga reaches 150 games
Knights co-captain Kalyn Ponga will play his 150th NRL game, almost a decade after making his debut for North Queensland during the 2016 finals series. Ponga has overcome significant injury setbacks on his way to this milestone, most recently recovering from a hamstring issue ahead of last week's victory over South Sydney.
Holbrook praised the recently re-signed fullback: "He's shown that in three games this year, which is great, it's great to have him back on the field. Great achievement obviously and in just nine more games' time it'll be 150 (for the) Knights and that's even better. Really good accolade for him and a lot more to come."
Stream free on 7plus.
