Damien Cook’s career in the NRL will come to an end at the end of 2026 after the St George Illawarra Dragons confirmed that the hooker will leave after the conclusion of this season.
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Cook’s departure comes after he had been hopeful to ink a new deal with the side, but negotiations came to a halt after the club’s winless start to this year’s campaign.
It is understood that he will link up with the Castleford Tigers in the Super League on a two-year contract where he will play alongisde former NRL players Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa and Joe Stimson.
“Captaining the Dragons has been one of the proudest experiences of my career. As a kid from the area, it has meant a lot to me to start and end my NRL journey here,” Cook said on Friday in a statement.
“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.”
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The 2018 Dally M Hooker of the Year, Cook, is set to play his 250th NRL match next weekend at Magic Round and has featured in the State of Origin arena for the NSW Blues on 17 occasions.
“I think Cookie’s legacy will be that he refused to give up,” Dragons interim coach Dean Young added.
“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.Source: The Daily Telegraph
CEO Tim Watsford said, “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.”
MANLY TO OPEN TALKS WITH FORAN
Ahead of their Saturday night blockbuster against the Brisbane Broncos, reports have emerged that interim coach Kieran Foran may remain at the Manly Sea Eagles longer than expected.
Initially, only set to be in the role until the end of 2026, the club have been extremely impressed about what he has done and his ability to turn around the side’s fortunes.
According to Code Sports, the Sea Eagles are set to open talks with Foran to become their permanent coach for 2027 and onwards.
This comes after a board meeting that took place earlier this week, made it clear that the focus will be to put together an experienced staff around the recently retired playmaker to help deal with the weekly grind of being an NRL coach.
Per the publication, Brad Arthur, John Cartwright and Shane Flanagan have been linked as potential options to be brought in as members of Foran’s coaching staff.
All three have previously been NRL head coaches, with the latter two currently on the lookout for a new gig.
Arthur remains as head coach of the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League.
Shane Flanagan.Source: News Corp Australia
EX-TITANS COACH LANDS NEW GIG
Jim Lenihan, a former assistant and interim head coach of the Gold Coast Titans, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Huddersfield Giants in the Super League competition.
Joining the Titans in 2019, he worked under both Justin Holbrook and Des Hasler before departing when Josh Hannay took charge of the team.
Most recently he has been working as head coach of the Brisbane Tigers – a feeder club of the Perth Bears – in the QLD Cup reserve-grade competition.
“Huddersfield Giants are delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Lenihan as the club’s new Head Coach on a long term contract,” a statement from the club read.
Jim Lenihan.Source: The Courier-Mail
“The former Gold Coast Titans assistant, and two-time Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning coach will link up with immediate effect, subject to visa clearances, with the appointment continuing the theme of change running through the new “Giants Unleashed” era at the club.
“Lenihan, who is no stranger to the club having featured 21 times during the 1999 season, scoring numerous tries, will now become our Head Coach, working alongside our performance staff.
“The Huddersfield Giants received some outstanding applications from candidates, but it was Lenihan’s vision for the club, which aligned with the clubs as we embark on this Unleashed journey, as being the perfect fit.