Leigh’s latest recruit reveals conversations with Ricky Stuart ahead of his Super League switch.
Adam Cook made eight appearances for Canberra Raiders in the NRL.
Leigh Leopards’ new recruit Adam Cook has revealed iconic Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart played a key role in his decision to move from the NRL to Super League.
The 25-year-old half-back has begun a three-year deal in England and is set to form a new partnership with Lachlan Lam at Leigh Sports Village.
Cook said he had attracted interest from the northern hemisphere previously but did not feel the timing was right until earlier this year. Conversations with Canberra coach Stuart helped confirm the decision to continue his career in Super League.
“Ricky was a good help for me – I spoke to him during the year about a potential move over and all that sort of stuff – just about the timing in my career and everything like that,” the half-back said.
“He was really good and told me it would be a good move, which put my mind at ease.”
Cook made eight NRL appearances across two stints with Canberra, while also spending time with the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys.
While the majority of his career has been spent in the Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup, Cook felt he was ready to establish himself at first-grade level.
Cook continued: “It was good [at Canberra Raiders], I learned a lot. I was there when I was young, then went away for a little bit and played in the Queensland Cup.
“Ricky being a half himself, every time I spoke to him I was like a sponge trying to soak up all the information.
“But I felt as if I needed some consistency. 2024 was a really good year for me, and I felt that I needed to step up.
“In 2025, I only played one NRL game, so I felt ready to move and play more consistent footy.”
Cook has been tipped to become Leigh’s next hidden gem, following in the footsteps of players such as Kai O’Donnell and Edwin Ipape.
He joins a star-studded 2026 squad, with David Armstrong, Isaac Liu and Tesi Niu among the recent high-profile signings from overseas. Having arrived in November, Cook said he was no longer surprised by the calibre of talent head coach Adrian Lam has been able to attract.
“I think from the outside looking in, I was probably a bit surprised that they’ve been able to get these types of players,” Cook said.
“But now being here and seeing what the club is about and seeing the direction we’re moving in, and talking to Adrian Lam, there’s a very obvious reason people come here – and that’s to win competitions. As a player, that’s a very attractive thing.
“I knew Aaron Pene, we were at the Warriors together for a little bit. Davey Armstrong reached out to me as soon as the news came out that I had signed, but other than that, I didn’t really know or play with any of the boys. But they’ve welcomed me with open arms, and it’s been good.”