Fans and officials are paying tribute to Damien Cook after the Dragons co-captain announced on Friday that 2026 will be his final year in the NRL. The 34-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Castleford Tigers in England that will bring down the curtain on a 13-year career in the NRL.
Cook will pass the 250-game milestone in coming weeks, after 207 for South Sydney from 2016 to 2024. Heading into Saturday’s game against Newcastle he’d played 34 games for the Dragons – two in his debut year in 2013 and 32 since re-joining the Red V last year.
Damien Cook played 17 State of Origin games for NSW (L) and four Test matches for Australia (R). Image: Getty
He also played seven games for the Bulldogs from 2014 to 2015, as well as 17 State of Origin games for NSW and four Test matches for Australia. He was part of series victories for NSW in 2018, 2019 and 2021, and helped the Kangaroos win international trophies in 2018 and 2019.
Cook admitted on Friday that he’s unlikely to be back in the NRL after his stint with Castleford, by which time he’ll be 37. “Captaining the Dragons has been one of the proudest experiences of my career,” he said. “As a kid from the area, it has meant a lot to me to start and end my NRL journey here.
“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.”
NRL world pays tribute to Damien Cook
Dragons coach Dean Young and CEO Tim Watsford were among the many to pay tribute. “I think Cookie’s legacy will be that he refused to give up,” Young said. “It took him until 25 years of age to find his place in the NRL and then to go on and play as many Origins, Tests, and NRL games as he did just shows every kid that, if you refuse to give up, you’re always a chance.
“It was great to get Cookie back in the Red V as a player that came from the area, and the Dragons are in a better place for having him walk back through the doors.”
Damien Cook has played just shy of 250 NRL games and won three State of Origin series with NSW. Image: Getty
Watsford added: “Damien has been a valued member of this club since coming back prior to last season. As a kid from Helensburgh who would go on to represent his state and country whilst captaining his club, Damien is an inspiration for so many young kids in our region.
“Few players in our game command the respect he does, and his leadership, attitude, and hard work have proven pivotal for our club. We wish Damien, his wife Courtney, and his three children the best of luck moving forward.”
Fans also flooded social media with tributes. One wrote: “Thank you Cookie, cannot fault your effort.” Another commented: “Absolute legend and good luck with the future, wish you all the best.”