Veteran hooker Damien Cook is determined to continue his professional rugby league career beyond 2026, with the St George Illawarra Dragons currently in discussions to extend his contract for an additional season. The 34-year-old, who will turn 35 this year, is set to embark on his 14th NRL campaign when the Dragons face the Canterbury Bulldogs in Las Vegas this weekend, marking what is being described as the most significant road trip in the sport's history.
A Rejuvenated Player Embracing New Challenges
Cook, who made the move from South Sydney to the Dragons last season, has expressed that the transition has revitalised his passion for the game. "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. He emphasised that the change of scenery has been refreshing, stating, "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."
Confidence in Longevity and Future Prospects
The former Kangaroos and New South Wales Blues representative would be 36 years old by the conclusion of a potential deal extending into 2027. Despite this, Cook remains confident in his ability to perform at a high level. "Definitely confident ... you know, '26, '27, and then you just never know how you're feeling there. So I don't want to get too far ahead of myself and happy from now on to take it year by year," he explained, highlighting a pragmatic approach to his career trajectory.
Focus on Team Success and Ending Finals Drought
For the immediate future, Cook's attention is firmly on helping 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 remarked, underscoring his optimism for the team's prospects in the upcoming season.
Excitement for Historic Las Vegas Season Opener
Cook is among a select group of Dragons players who have previously experienced the atmosphere in Las Vegas, adding to the anticipation for this weekend's landmark match. "Very excited mate. It's a pretty cool way to start the season off," he said. "I've been lucky enough to go over there for one of the games a couple of years ago and I'm excited for the boys to experience that as well."
The Dragons have completed their final preparations in Sydney before departing for the season opener under the bright lights of Las Vegas, setting the stage for a thrilling start to the NRL season.
