Incoming Castleford Tigers recruit Damien Cook says he is looking forward to improving and setting the standards at his new club, with the experienced hooker hoping to connect deeply with the Tigers’ faithful.

Cook has signed a two-year deal at Wheldon Road, in a contract that he believes will be the final one of his career. Joining the club alongside current St George Illawarra teammates Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan, the incoming trio have spoken with each other about delivering success to the West Yorkshire outfit.

In an interview with the Castleford social media channels, the 35-year-old revealed when he will be arriving at his new club, and spoke on the stresses of moving across to the other side of the world.

He said: “It’s going really well [off-season]. It’s been a bit of a busy off-season, obviously just trying to get everything sorted out with the house here, moving out. Didn’t realise how much stuff, junk we actually had, so it’s been a nice way to clean out the house.

“[I’m] getting a little bit of training here and there as well, making sure we’re staying fit and just trying to relax. Once I get over there, end of November, it’s straight back into it.”

Cook is maintaining his fitness through this period, but knows that ‘less is more’ when it comes to training at his age.

That being said, the former South Sydney Roosters man is ready to reach new heights when he arrives in England, and has insisted he will be a key part of the 2027 squad improving and maintaining both physical and mental standards.

Cook explained: “I’ve got markers that I know where I need to be at before I return. I pride myself on being professional and being in good shape returning to training.

“I know what those markers are and just making sure I’m staying in touch with those.”

He continued: “Being one of the senior players coming in, I know there’s a couple there as well, I‘ve been lucky enough to play alongside some really good athletes, really good players and had some really good coaches and high-performance staff as well.

“I feel like I’ve picked up a few things along the way. I’d like to hope so. I feel like I’ve got some really good standards that I hold myself to.

“…The experience and standards I’ve set myself over the years, I’d like to hopefully bring them over. If I can help those young guys coming through, develop as players, become more professional and give them a better career, then I know I’ve done my job as a senior player, leading by example.”

Damien Cook hails new boss Paul Rowley as message sent to Castleford Tigers fans

Cook revealed in the interview that he is yet to speak with new head coach Paul Rowley, who is still in his first fortnight as the club’s new boss.

However, after doing his homework on the ex-Salford and St Helens man, the hooker is excited to work with a gaffer he believes will heavily transform the current side.

“I love the appointment of him [Rowley],” Cook revealed. “Very experienced coach, been around some teams, done some great work with teams as well.

“I’ve done a bit of research, and I’ve spoken to some players that speak really highly of him. He’s a great people person, really cares about the players, so I really like that. I’m looking forward to working alongside him.

“…For me, I think someone like him in a position where we are at the moment, I think he’s going to get in the trenches with us and take this back to the top.”

The 35-year-old has had former colleagues tell him that he would be a great fit for the play style of Super League, and alongside Sloan and Feagai, Cook wants to end his career with silverware, something he never achieved at club level in the NRL.

“We [Dragons trio] have spoken plenty of times throughout the season when we knew we were all signing. We’re not going there to lose. We’re going there to win, and we want to lift trophies.”

Sending a message to the Castleford faithful, Cook is keen to learn more about his club’s rich history, values and everything in between.

He shared: “I’ve got to learn a little bit about Cas. It’s very similar to my hometown from what I hear… Very similar to Helensburgh.

“Both teams are called the Tigers. That’s where I grew up playing for the Tigers, and now I get to finish off at the Tigers. There’s something special about that to me.

“A hardworking town, they just live and breathe Rugby League. They work all week, and they just want to get to the game and pack out that stadium.

“I hear that they wear the gear everywhere around the cafes, wherever it is in the streets and how proud they are. I’m looking forward to getting right amongst that and getting to know the fans and learning a lot more about the club.

 I want to make a big difference there, and the fans are going to have to teach me about the passion of this club and teach me all about it.”

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