‘I always thought I’d finish my career here’: Damien Cook backs Peter Mamouzelos to star next year as he prepares to return home

Damien Cook thought that he’d finish his NRL career with the Rabbitohs, but things don’t always go to plan in rugby league, with the former representative hooker excited for what’s ahead at the Dragons as he prepares to pull on the South Sydney jersey for the final time.

After nine seasons with the club, Cook will play his final game against the Roosters on Friday night before he links up with the Dragons – the team he debuted for in 2013 – for the next two seasons.

It came as a shock when the Dragons signed him back in June, but Cook is content with the decision and is excited to work with Shane Flanagan, who he says has done a terrific job with a young squad that was expected to struggle.

“I always thought I’d finish my career here, but footy’s a funny game and a brutal game at times,” the speedster said.

“I’m looking forward to the fresh start.

“I’ve kept an eye on the Dragons ever since it (me signing) was a chance of happening. I’m from that area in the Illawarra, so it’ll be cool to come back home where it all started for me.

“I’m really impressed with what they’ve done this year with a young squad who are all playing really good footy. There’s no doubt they’ll be even better next year.”

After making a grand final and a stack of preliminary finals, 2024 has been a disaster for the Bunnies who sacked coach Jason Demetriou and will finish in the bottom four regardless of what happens against their fierce rivals.

The Latrell Mitchell saga has been a distraction in recent weeks, with the fullback meeting with specialists on Monday and Tuesday in a bid to prove he’s fit and that he should serve his one-game ban this week after overcoming a foot injury.

“I would have loved a fairytale and won a competition, but it’s been a great learning year for the club with the things that we’ve been through,” Cook said.

“With the team they’ve got next year, no doubt they’ll use that and they definitely won’t double up.

“It just hasn’t been our year. We’ve been up the top for so long. I know we didn’t win a comp, but we went five good years in a row where we fell just short, so there have been a lot of good times.

“This one hasn’t been the best, but I’ve still loved coming here every day.”

Peter Mamouzelos is set to get first crack at dummy-half next year, and he’s received a glowing endorsement from the man he’ll replace.

“I have no doubt whatsoever (that he’s the man for the job),” Cook declared.

“It’s been awesome training alongside him because we share the same dreams, and that’s what I love about him. We want to play NRL and at the highest level we can, and he’s always looking to improve.

“I think he’s shown enough that he’ll step into that role next year and be great at making it his own.

“I’m going to miss him because it’s been really good getting to work alongside him. He’s been good for me as much as I hope I’ve been for him. Hopefully, I’ve taught him a few things and he’ll be great next year.”