Copping sprays ‘the best part about Origin’: Cook

Jasper Bruce | June 20, 2023

NSW hooker Damien Cook is inviting the Queensland faithful to hit him with their worst sprays, declaring verbal jibes “the best part” of the State of Origin rivalry.

As speculation swirls that bench hooker Reece Robson could start in his place, Cook says coach Brad Fittler is yet to inform him of any late changes to the side.

The odds are literally stacked against the Blues to salvage the series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night; for the first time since 2019, NSW are underdogs with the bookmakers.

The Blues’ lean record before the hostile Brisbane crowd has contributed to their outsider status; in Brad Fittler’s five previous series as coach, NSW have won there only once.

South Sydney’s Cook brings big-game experience after being recalled to the side for Game II, having started at hooker when the Blues silenced the Suncorp crowd with their 26-0 win in 2021.

The Rabbitohs welcomed the verbal barrage as NSW hope to recreate that win.

“It’s best part about Origin,” he said.

“When you’re back home and we’re versing any other club team leading up to Origin or during the Origin period, everyone’s supporting NSW.

“But it’s the opposite when you get up here. That’s what makes playing at Suncorp so special.

“I just laugh (the sprays) off it’s always been a good part of it.

“It’s pretty cool to be in this position. It’s weird them yelling out abuse at you but it’s pretty cool to be where we are at the moment.”

Veteran prop Junior Paulo said the Queensland crowd undeniably gave the Blues’ rivals an edge.

“You talk about the 18th man being the crowd,” he told AAP.

“The 17 guys in sky blue jerseys are going to be the most hated people in Brisbane come next Wednesday.”

Cook joins the NSW side alongside debutant Robson, with whom he will form a one-two punch at dummy-half.

The dynamic Robson has been considered a chance to make a late switch into the starting side in place of Cook, whom Fittler started off the bench in his last two Origin appearances.

Cook said he was unaware whether Fittler had plans for an 11th-hour change.

“I actually don’t know (who would start),” he said.

“Which I’ve enjoyed that part of it because you can’t really play the game in your head if you don’t know what it is yet.

“I like what Freddy has done, he has kept it really relaxed and kept everyone relaxed.”