Damien Cook has declared he’ll be back at South Sydney, albeit in a different role as he prepares to end his playing career at the club.
Cook will play with St George Illawarra next season after signing a two-year deal with the Dragons, despite having a year to run on his previous contract with the Rabbitohs.
The former NSW Blues hooker vowed he will return to Maroubra one day.
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Damien Cook. Nine
“You’ll see me back here, no doubt,” Cook told media ahead of last Bunnies game.
“I’ll be behind the whistle, flogging the boys from a different angle.”
After starting his career at the Dragons, and then playing at the Bulldogs, Cook eventually landed at South Sydney in 2016. He has since played 206 games for the club.
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Fittingly, Cook’s final match will be against arch rivals the Roosters on Friday night.
The hooker admitted he was “sad” when walking into training for the final week.
“No doubt there’ll be some emotions definitely at the end of the game,” he said.
“It was sad coming in on Monday knowing it was my last week coming into training.”
Prop Thomas Burgess will also leave the Bunnies after the Roosters team to take up a three-year deal with Huddersfield Giants.
The 32-year-old also flagged his intention to return, stating he’s renting out his Sydney house, not selling.
“I’ll be back in a couple of years after my time in England, I’m sure I’ll be back in these doors,” he said.