The chance to wear the number 9 jersey again is prime timing for Cook this Saturday as he looks to raise funds for FAST – the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.
In support of the foundation, Damien Cook will be running out with 7-year old Jacob - who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome as a toddler. Iosia Soliola from the Canberra Raiders is also a FAST Ambassador and the two players have organised to raise funds through a 50/50 Raffle with Souths Cares.
“I’ve been invested in them for the last two years. South Cares and South Sydney have come on board to help make this happen for me. This weekend hopefully we get a big turn out to raise some much needed funds for the foundation, for treatment and hopefully for a cure as well,” said Cook.
“I’m very excited to be back starting and I’m hoping I go in there and do a good job for the team.”
Souths will be looking to a new spine at the tail end of the season this weekend to get them back in the winner’s circle.
With six fixtures to play in the season, Cook has talked up recent changes as a positive sign that Souths would continue the fight. The Rabbitohs hooker is expecting players in new positions to ‘step up’ this weekend.
“Those players going into those positions like myself need to step up and prove why they want to be there in the starting spot – like Cody Walker going back into five eighth.
“We have to win this weekend. We’re not writing off finals at all. Making the finals would be great and if not you want to build a platform to start off with next year as well.”
“I think it’s really important for us to put on a really good game for the Members – so I hope we do get a good turnout. We’ve had a difficult year - it’s been up and down for the fans and they’ve actually been really positive week in and week out so we really appreciate their support this year.”
