Damien Cook, among other things, has mowed lawns, poured beers and worked as a teacher’s aide to supplement his income while establishing himself as a professional footballer.

The hard work has finally paid off. After a breakout year that included State of Origin glory, Dally M hooker-of-the-year honours, finals footy and replacing Cameron Smith as the Kangaroos No.9, Cook has topped it off with a five-year, $4.5 million contract upgrade and extension at South Sydney.

Sold: Damien Cook has committed to life at Souths under Wayne Bennett. Credit:AAP

It is a remarkable rise for a journeyman who, in the space of just 12 months, has gone from a fringe first-grader to one of the most sought-after signatures in the game. Despite lucrative offers elsewhere, the George Piggins medallist never wanted to leave Redfern and will remain there until at least the end of 2023.

“It feels like home to me and that’s why I wanted to be here,” Cook told Fairfax Media.