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Wayne Bennett backs Damien Cook over running critics

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20th March, 2021
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Wayne Bennett has hit back at Damien Cook’s detractors, declaring that no-one builds monuments for critics.

After a week of having his running game questioned, Cook bounced back in the most emphatic fashion possible in South Sydney’s 26-12 win over Manly on Saturday.

The 29-year-old scored once out of dummy-half and went close a second time, twice splitting Manly’s line open when running out of the ruck.

It came just a week after Cook had a comparatively quiet start to the season by his standards, running just twice in Souths’ loss to Melbourne.

“I’m never surprised about the critics…they don’t build monuments for critics,” Bennett said. 

“I thought it was pretty good.

“We don’t have a plan for him to run. It’s what opportunities are available to him to run. 

“(It’s about) who is wanting the ball. He has a very talented backline sitting there always wanting the ball. 

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“It is about the moment and the opportunity. It’s what he has to balance every week.”

It marked the second time Bennett has come in Cook’s defence in as many days, after pointing out on Friday that South Sydney’s ruck speed determined his ability to run.

The hooker also pulled off one of the plays of the night, chasing down a flying Jason Saab just as the Manly winger looked to put the Sea Eagles back in the game with a 65-metre bust.

“That was huge,” Bennett said. 

“He competes at 100 per cent. He plays the full game. I don’t think he missed a minute for us last year. 

“Last year he didn’t miss a minute for us. He’s a wonderful competitor.”

Meanwhile, Bennett remains confident that halfback Adam Reynolds will be fit to face the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, after failing a HIA.

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The NRL’s rules now state that the club will need the advice of an independent doctor before clearing him to play, given the one round turnaround.

But the Rabbitohs had seen promise in the way Reynolds had rebounded from the blow, after copping a hit from the Sea Eagles’ Sean Keppie following a kick.

© AAP

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