WELCOME TO SUPER LEAGUE - ADAM COOK THE NEW LEOPARD IN THE DEN
- David Cain
- Oct 23
- 5 min read
It was announced today that Adam Cook will join the Leigh Leopards from 2026 on a 3 year contract from the Canberra Raiders. Here Super League Raw provide you with a breakdown of Adam's career thus far and a look at his strengths and opportunities to improve.
Career Milestones & Key Performances
Early years & junior success:
In 2016, Cook started at halfback for the Blackhawks’ Cyril Connell Cup side in a Grand Final win over Souths Logan Magpies.
In 2018, he started at halfback for Blackhawks’ Hastings Deering Colts side in their Grand Final loss to the Norths Devils.
Named Blackhawks Under-20 Player of the Year in 2019 before signing with the Raiders.
Signing & NRL debut (2020):
Cook signed with the Raiders in October 2019.
Made his NRL debut in Round 20 2020.
Periods in reserve grade/Queensland Cup & development:
After his debut, Cook spent time playing for Queensland Cup level sides (e.g., Redcliffe Dolphins and Mackay Cutters) through 2021-22.
In the NSW Cup (Reserve grade) for the Raiders, his statistical output was strong: for example in 2024 he had ~168 points (7 tries + 102 goals) in 24 games.
Breakout Reserve-Grade Season & Awards (2024):
Re-joined the Raiders for 2024, played ~6 NRL matches and was dominant in NSW Cup: leading in try assists (21) and line-break assists (20) in that competition year.
Awarded the 2024 Brad Fittler Medal (NSW Cup Player of the Year) for his performances.
Selected NRL Appearances
Cook has made 8 first-grade NRL appearances (from 2020 through to 2025) for the Raiders. Below are a few matches of interest:
Debut: Round 20, 2020 vs Cronulla‑Sutherland Sharks. He played one game in 2020.
2024 season: He made 6 NRL appearances.
3 May 2024 vs Manly Sea Eagles: 24-26 loss
17 May 2024 vs Canterbury Bulldogs: 24-20 win.
01 June 2024 vs Redcliffe Dolphins: 25-26 loss.
2025 season: 1 appearance.
Key observations from these matches
When given opportunities in 2024, Cook was inserted into the spine (halves) and asked to manage attacking sets, indicating the coaching staff’s willingness to trust him.
The 24-20 win over the Bulldogs stands out as one where the Raiders’ spine functioned well and Cook would have had a role in game-management (though detailed minutes/kick metres / individual stats are limited).
Losses such as 25-26 vs Dolphins and 24-26 vs Manly show that while competitive, the team (and thus the spine) lacked dominance; such close games expose a half’s decision-making under pressure.
Strengths
Playmaker instincts & assist generation: His NSW Cup stats show very high involvement in try assists and line-break assists (e.g., 21 and 20 respectively in 2024).
Goal-kicking ability and general kicking game: In reserve grade, he has kicked over 100 goals (e.g., 102 in 2025) and has strong kicking metres averages (223.9 m) as halfback.
Resilience & development curve: After his debut he spent time in second-tier competitions, but returned strongly in 2024, earning Player of Year honours in NSW Cup. Shows ability to improve and adapt.
Vision in attack & variety of skills: From his reserve grade stats he appears to bring a varied skill-set (assists, kicks, general play) rather than being purely a runner.
Weaknesses / Areas to Improve
Limited NRL experience: Despite his reserve grade success, as of 2025 he has only 8 first-grade games. Translating that potential regularly into NRL performance remained a challenge.
Impact at NRL level still to demonstrate consistently: While dominant in NSW Cup, his NRL appearances haven’t yet been standout. The step-up remains a test.
Opportunity cost in spine/halves roles: At halfback/five-eighth the demands in NRL are high (game-management, defensive reads, consistency). He will need to sharpen his decision-making under pressure and this move to Super League will aid in this development.
Durability and consistency in senior role: Though not flagged for major injury, making a sustained, long-term impact at NRL level requires physical and mental endurance across full seasons.
✅ The Deal
Leigh Leopards have signed Adam Cook from Canberra Raiders on a three-year contract.
The move will take effect from the 2026 season.
Cook, aged 24 at the time of announcement, is portrayed as a goalkicking half-back with leadership qualities.
The announcement highlights his statistics at Canberra’s reserve grade: e.g., in 2025 he kicked 102 goals and seven tries in 24 games for 232 points.
🎯 Why Leigh Leopards Signed Him
Leigh’s Head Coach Adrian Lam stated they had been tracking Cook for two years, believing he can take control of games and fit the club’s style.
The club felt they needed to bolster their options in the spine (half-back/five-eighth roles) alongside existing players like Lachlan Lam and Gareth O’Brien.
Cook brings both goal-kicking and play-making ability, which adds depth and a future option for the club.
🔍 Implications for His Career
The move gives him a fresh start in the European Super League environment, coming off strong seasons in reserve grade but limited NRL first-grade exposure.
At Leigh, he may have the opportunity to secure more regular first-team minutes, which could accelerate his development.
The style of play at Leigh (as indicated by the club’s comments) suggests a fit for his kicking game and half-back role — a positive in terms of match impact.
For Leigh, investing in a young half-back on a multi-year deal signals they see Cook as part of their medium-term spine, not just a short-term fix.
📌 What to Watch
How he adapts to the Super League’s style (pace, physicality, travel, unfamiliar conditions) compared to the reserve grade in Australia.
Whether he will assume starting status or rotate initially; how the spine combinations with Lachlan Lam & Gareth O’Brien work.
How he handles game-management, leadership and consistency at the higher level. His goal-kicking will be a plus, but the half-back role demands more than that.
The impact of the move on his trajectory: whether Leigh’s investment pays off, and whether he becomes a regular fixture or still remains a backup/spin player.
🎯 Summary & Verdict
In summary: the move for Adam Cook to Leigh is well aligned with many of the success-factors we see for Australian halves moving to Super League: game-time opportunity, NRL-experience but not yet established first-team regular, strong kicking/playmaking. This sets him up for the chance to flourish.
However, success is not guaranteed. The key will be how well he adapts to the Super League environment, how he adapts to first team regular, and how quickly he can replicate his assist/kick metrics at this higher level.
If he nails the transition, he could become a strong asset for Leigh and raise his profile significantly. If the adaptation is slow, he risks slipping into a role where his potential isn’t fully realised.
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