Souths veteran Damien Cook confirmed he’s received an offer from the Dragons while reaffirming his desire to stay at the Rabbitohs.
Cook could potentially be on the way out at Souths due to salary cap restraints but is contracted until the end of 2025 on a deal worth about $650,000.
If he’s to leave the club, Souths would likely be asked to pay a portion of next year’s deal. Speaking to 9News on Thursday, Cook said he had built his life at Souths and “did not want to leave”.
READ MORE: Bizarre twist as Cody Simpson eyes ‘last throw of the dice’
READ MORE: ‘Shell-shocked’ Sharks humbled as Hynes dealt blow
READ MORE: Why Blues would be ‘stupid’ to overlook Latrell
But the former NSW rake has had to face a harsh reality with incoming coach Wayne Bennett looking for a fresh start at the position for next season.
Cook said he was grateful the Dragons had offered him a home in the latter stages of his career.
“Pretty nice of them. They’re going to put an offer in. I haven’t spoke to my manager about that but it’s good to see they think I’ve got plenty of footy, which I do think,” Cook said.
“For me I’ve still got another year to go here and I love this club, they’ve been great to me.”
Cook said it will be difficult to leave the Rabbitohs considering the milestones he’s achieved during his career and in his personal life that he’s built around the club.
“They’ve been everything. It’s where I’ve started a family, bought a house, all that sort of stuff,” Cook said.
“All my big moments have been at this great club. I’ve made no decision whatsoever. Obviously it’s a bit new to me, this sorts of stuff, and I don’t want to leave.
“But we’ll just get through the game and speak to my manager next week.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“I’ve had conversations with Wayne and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I’ve appreciated the phone calls that we’ve had,” Cook added.
“He doesn’t give much away, Wayne, to be honest, he’s a good listener.”
It’s understood Super League club Huddersfield inquired about Cook’s services in the hope they could lure him to England for two seasons.
That’s when Souths informed Cook’s manager, Mario Tartak, they would not stand in his way if he could score a deal with another club.
The Dragons were reportedly in discussions with Jeremy Marshall-King about joining the club next season.
But when Marshall-King recommitted to the Dolphins, they turned their attention to Cook, who will turn 34 next season.