Dragons name Cook & Gutherson co-captains for 2025 NRL Season

St George Illawarra has ushered in a new era, naming Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson as co-captains for the 2025 NRL season.

The duo, both marquee recruits for the Dragons, bring a wealth of experience and leadership as the club looks to rebound from recent struggles.

Cook and Gutherson take over the captaincy from Ben Hunt, who left the Dragons in October to join the Brisbane Broncos after a protracted contract dispute.

The pair were signed at the end of 2024, with Gutherson departing the Parramatta Eels after seven seasons as captain and Cook moving on from South Sydney due to a salary cap squeeze.

Head coach Shane Flanagan lauded the impact both players have had since joining the club in November.

“Cooky and Gutho have both been really impressive in every facet since joining the club,” Flanagan said.

“The difference each has made around the group with their professionalism, leadership, competitiveness, preparation, and dedication has been obvious from day one. Having them share the captaincy is a clear choice. Each will bring slightly different things, but there’s no questioning the positive impact each has made already.”

Gutherson, a 30-year-old fullback with over 200 NRL appearances, described the appointment as an honour.

“I’m proud to take on this role with Damien and help lead the club into what we all hope will be a successful season,” he said.

Cook, 33, who started his NRL career with the Dragons in 2013, shared similar sentiments.

“To return to where my journey started and now be named co-captain is a surreal moment for me. I’m looking forward to working with Clint and the team to achieve our goals this season,” he said.

The Dragons are coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign, missing the finals after losing four of their last five matches.

The addition of Cook and Gutherson, alongside fellow recruits Valentine Holmes and Lachlan Ilias, aims to provide much-needed stability and leadership on and off the field.

Dragons CEO Ryan Webb expressed confidence in the new leadership duo.

“With Clint and Damien stepping into formal captaincy roles, I feel the club will be well-served this year in terms of leadership around the group,” Webb said.

“I look forward to seeing that continue to develop as we head into the season.”

The Dragons will open their 2025 campaign as a $3.40 BetOnline outsider against the Canterbury Bulldogs on March 7, with Gutherson and Cook likely to lead the team for the first time in a pre-season trial match against the Sydney Roosters in February.

The club is hopeful the pair’s leadership will guide them to their first finals appearance since 2018, which they are currently priced at $4.33 to make the Top 8 at the top NRL bookmakers.

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