Castleford Tigers go big with Australian international confirmed for 2027
Castleford Tigers have shown their intentions to build big for 2027 after confirming they are bringing an exciting new signing over from Australia for next season.
The Wheldon Road club have signed Australian international and State of Origin hooker Damien Cook on a two-year deal.
The move will see the 2018 Dally M Hooker of the Year link up with the side for the start of the 2027 campaign.
With 248 NRL games, four Tests for Australia and 17 State of Origin matches for New South Wales, Cook has cemented his status as one of the NRL's best number nines.
Known for his running from dummy-half, he started his NRL career with St George Illawarra Dragons before joining Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, then played over 200 times for South Sydney Rabbitohs, reaching five-straight preliminary finals and featuring in the 2022 NRL Grand Final alongside his soon to be Cas teammate Blake Taaffe.
He then re-joined the Dragons as co-captain in 2024, where he had Ryan Carr as an assistant coach.
Tigers head coach Carr is thrilled to be working with Cook again and said: "Damien is a terrific signing for our club.
"He’s a great person, a proven leader and an outstanding rugby league player who brings a wealth of experience and a real competitive edge.
"His professionalism and desire for success fit perfectly with what we’re building here at Castleford.
"Damien will be a big part of our future and I know he’s super excited to be involved."
Director of rugby Chris Chester added: "Damien is a hugely significant signing for the Club in 2027.
"Damien is a player that has achieved everything in the game in Australia, having played State of Origin and represented his country and I’m delighted that he has chosen to play for the Castleford Tigers in 2027.
"He leads with his actions on the field but he is also a great leader off it too - and when we found out he was available we acted very quickly on getting the deal done.
"Carry has a great relationship with the player and his family, which was a big pull for him, and I personally can’t wait to see Damien in the Castleford colours in 2027."