Damien Cook is in discussions to extend his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons for another season, aiming to continue his career beyond 2026. The veteran hooker is set to kick off his 14th season in the NRL when the Dragons face the Canterbury Bulldogs this weekend in Las Vegas, marking what is expected to be the biggest road trip in rugby league history.
At 34 years old, Cook will turn 35 later this year. He expressed feeling rejuvenated since joining the Dragons from South Sydney last season, stating he is excited about the future. “I’m feeling really good and I’m loving my time here. I still love coming to training, I still love my footy, and now we’re at the fun part,” Cook said. “I’ve really enjoyed the move down here. It’s freshening me up at the moment. I feel like I’m good to keep going. I know I’m having no talks of retirement any time soon.”
Focus on Finals and Fresh Starts
As Cook prepares for the upcoming season, he is determined to help the Dragons break an eight-year finals drought. “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and hopefully we can carry that into Round 1, and I’m confident we will,” he noted. This optimism aligns with his commitment to take his career year by year, despite the prospect of extending his contract until he is 36. “Definitely confident … you know, ‘26, ‘27, and then you just never know how you’re feeling there,” he said.
Cook is one of several Dragons players familiar with the Las Vegas atmosphere, having previously attended a game there a couple of years ago. “Very excited mate. It’s a pretty cool way to start the season off,” he remarked, eager for his teammates to experience the unique setting.
Final Preparations Under Bright Lights
The Dragons concluded their last training sessions in Sydney before heading to Las Vegas for their season opener. As they embark on this journey, the team aims to channel its pre-season preparations into a strong performance against the Bulldogs. With Cook at the helm, the Dragons hope to not only make a statement in their first match but also set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
