Incoming Castleford Tigers hooker Damien Cook has revealed that, despite the exit of Ryan Carr, he is fully committed to joining the club next year.

Carr, who officially departed the Tigers last week following a fortnight of time away, was a huge factor in Cook’s move to West Yorkshire, as well as Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan.

Sloan has been very vocal on his desire to stay in the NRL, but both he and Director of Rugby Chris Chester have stated that he too will honour his next contract.

Cook and Feagai have been less public on the matter, until now that is in Cook’s case, with the former Australian international confirming to media down under that he will still be joining Castleford in 2027.

“I’ll be over there,” Cook told the Australian Associated Press this week. “I’ve had the conversations with my wife and my kids, and obviously it’s a big move for them as well.

“But once I had them on board we’ve really been focused on that. I’m committed to that. This great game has given me a lot, and it’s just another thing that’s going to give me a chance to go overseas, play footy over there and show the kids the world.”

Following Carr’s confirmed exit, Cook revealed he contacted the former Castleford coach to see how he was, whilst also confirming talks with owner Martin Jepson and Chester.

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He said: “I told them how I felt about him [Carr]… I didn’t want to get too involved because I didn’t want it to take away from just enjoying my time here. There’s nothing I can do from over here.

“He [Carr]’s put a lot of effort into that, and no doubt he’s hurting. He’s a very passionate person and obviously a big reason why we went there.

“He’s got some good recruits, but I’m not sure exactly what he’s got planned. No doubt he’ll find something.”

Reflecting on the pair’s time at the Dragons, Cook added: “I really loved him as a coach, and that’s obviously a reason why I was connecting with him over there.”

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