Damien Cook will return to where it all began next season, with the Rabbitohs hooker signing a two-year deal with St George Illawarra.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 32-year-old will be granted an early release from his contract at Redfern at the end of 2024, bringing an end to a fruitful tenure at the club that will span over 200 games.
Cook’s deal at the Dragons is worth an estimated $1 million over two seasons after being granted permission by the cardinal and myrtle to seek an opportunity at a rival club.
READ MORE: ‘He had a fiver on it’: Aussie’s brush with King in $1.2m win
READ MORE: ‘Homesick’ star eyes NRL return after Keary switch
READ MORE: Smith responds to wild transfer rumour after breach
The experienced star told his teammates of his exit on Wednesday morning.
The livewire made his debut for the Dragons in 2013 but didn’t find his feet in the top grade until joining the Bunnies in 2016, where he became a NSW and Australian representative and cemented himself as one of the game’s best hookers.
Cook is expected to share the dummy-half duties with Jacob Liddle at the Saints, with the club’s current No.9 signed for a further two seasons.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
As for the Rabbitohs, young gun Peter Mamouzelos is expected to get first crack at the hooker spot next year after impressing in his sporadic NRL appearances.
Cook’s impending arrival comes as the Dragons have landed another blow on the recruitment and retention front, re-signing utility Jack Bird for a further season.
Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, the 29-year-old has triggered an option for next year prior to the June 30 deadline as opposed to becoming a free agent.
Bird has been used in a variety of roles in recent years for the Saints and is a known favourite of Shane Flanagan, who previously coached him at Cronulla.
The former NSW Origin star is in line for a return in round 17 against the Dolphins.