LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
"He's the one": Damien Cook urges Souths bosses to stick with Peter Mamouzelos next year
In a move reminiscent of a seasoned captain rallying his troops, Damien Cook has passionately urged the Rabbitohs not to venture into the murky waters of the player market in search of a replacement for him.
Instead, Cook has pointed to a shining star within the club who is ready and waiting to step into his shoes.
According to a report from news.com.au, Cook has put his full support behind Peter Mamouzelos as the man who should take over the reins at South Sydney next season.
The dynamic dummy-half, who is set to depart for the Dragons, has issued a stern warning to club officials, cautioning them against looking elsewhere when a top-tier replacement is already within their grasp.
Cook, a force to be reckoned with in the world of Rugby League, made his NRL debut with the Red V back in 2013 before donning the jersey of the Bulldogs for a brief stint.
Since then, he has cemented his status as one of the premier hookers of the modern era, with his lightning speed around the ruck transforming the Rabbitohs into an attacking powerhouse.
Not to mention his stellar performances at representative level.
With Cook's impending departure, Souths will have the financial capacity to pursue another hooker, with Jeremy Marshall-King being a recent target who ultimately chose to stay put with the Dolphins.
However, the seasoned veteran is adamant that there is no need to look beyond Mamouzelos, a local prodigy who has been locked into the club until 2027 and has been making waves with increased game time this season.
"They won't find anyone better.
He's the real deal," Cook boldly proclaimed, recalling Mamouzelos' standout performance when he stepped into the starting lineup against Cronulla earlier this year.
The torch is set to be passed, and Souths would do well to heed Cook's endorsement of the promising young talent waiting in the wings.