Captain Cook up for any challenge
Tweed No.9 throws hand up to take on responsibility
IN the space of 12 months, Jack Cook has gone from a fringe Tweed player to the club’s No.1 hooker and temporary co-captain.
Born in Auckland and a Burleigh Bears junior, Cook spent time with the Melbourne Storm’s under-20 program before returning to the Coast in 2017 – but this time with the Seagulls. He joined with the intention of establishing himself as a hooker but was stuck behind Sam Meskell and, last year, Eli Levido, forcing him to call on his versatility to play roles at lock and five-eighth.
After a one-off Intrust Super Cup outing in his first season at the club, Cook earned 15 appearances last year and very much impressed coach Ben Woolf.
With Meskell heading to Tugun and Levido to the Illawarra Cutters, the 22-yearold is now the clear option to wear the No.9 jersey – unless a Titan like Mitch Rein drops back – and Woolf is totally comfortable with that.
“He is a very physical defender. He controls the tackle very well – he is strong and gets them on their back a lot of the time,” Woolf said.
“His talk both on the field and off the field is very good. When he talks, people listen. That’s probably what stands out the most.”
Cook admitted Meskell and Levido will be big shoes to fill.
“They’re two good hookers. I’m not really a flashy hooker, I just keep it simple and pride myself on my defence,” he said.
“I came to the club wanting to play hooker but had to adjust because there were obviously players that were ahead of me in that position, so I just said, if I have to play utility to get in the side, I’ll play anywhere.
“It’s actually good just to play one position and stick to it for the whole pre-season, I have enjoyed it.”
He did however say that if Rein came back with the mission of playing 80 minutes at dummy-half that he would put his hand up for anywhere – even prop – if it means he is in the 17.
As for being awarded the co-captaincy alongside John Palavi while regular skipper Cheyne Whitelaw draws closer to returning from a knee injury, Cook said he was shocked by the honour.
“I was stoked to hear that they trust me leading, even though I haven’t played that many games. It’s a good feeling,” he said.
Tweed host Papua New Guinea tomorrow. Rory Lillis is a late inclusion on the bench after an injury to Harry Hughes (shoulder).