The Dragons are reportedly ready to offer Damien Cook a two-year deal from 2025 after being made aware the Rabbitohs are under salary cap pressure.
Cook pushed for a three-year extension at Souths but the club only agreed to two and he could depart just one season into the deal.
The 32-year-old was an NRL late bloomer, making his debut at the Dragons in 2013 but Cook didn’t become a regular first grader until he was 25.
The hooker has previously told foxsports.com.au he believes that could effectively extend his career at the back end.
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
*Odds are current as of 13th June 2024, 2:39pm AEST
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Cook’s contract next year is worth around $650,000, according to The SMH, and the Dragons would need the Rabbitohs to chip in part of his salary in 2025.
Souths officials earlier this month told Cook’s management they would be unable to offer him a contract beyond 2025 and they would not stand in his way if he was able to secure a longer deal elsewhere.
The Dragons are in the market for a No. 9 and reportedly spoke with Jeremy Marshall-King but he decided to re-sign with the Dolphins.
Roosters hooker Brandon Smith could also come into calculations with the New Zealand star on thin ice at the Tricolours after being issued a breach notice this month.
St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan is happy with his current hooker Jacob Liddle but sees his future in the No.14 jersey.
The Rabbitohs recently re-signed young gun hooker Peter Mamouzelos until the end of 2027.
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