LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Damien Cook dropped in shock move as Rabbitohs coach fights back in NRL storm
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou is shaking things up yet again after a lackluster start to the season.
Not satisfied with demoting halfback Lachlan Ilias to reserve grade, Demetriou is now rumored to be benching star player Damien Cook for the upcoming clash against the Roosters.
Ilias took the fall for the Rabbitohs' rocky start to the NRL season, with Dean Hawkins stepping up to fill his shoes.
According to reports from Adrian Proszenko of the Sydney Morning Herald, Cook is set to be sidelined in favor of Saliva Havili starting at hooker against the Roosters.
Havili impressed in the middle during the previous match against the Broncos, scoring a try and creating opportunities for his team before the game slipped away.
Despite these drastic changes, Demetriou remained tight-lipped about his decisions during a training session on Thursday.
As the team prepares for a showdown against their long-time rivals, the coach expressed confidence that they are on the brink of finding their groove and leaving their rocky start in the rearview mirror.