Thunder Confirm the Signing of Sam Cook

Newcastle Thunder is delighted to confirm the signing of Sam Cook for the 2026 Betfred Championship season.

Cook is a versatile playmaker who adds serious quality to the spine, covering hooker, halfback, and loose forward. His professional attitude and natural leadership qualities have earned praise throughout his career.

He joins from York Knights, where he made 34 appearances and became a key leader on the field in 2025's League Leaders campaign. Cook came through the New Zealand Warriors system, making his NRL first-grade debut in 2018. 

Head Coach Graham Steadman said:

“We look forward to Sam turning out for Thunder. He brings a great mix of technical skill and high-level experience from the NRL and in the Championship last season with York. That versatility will be massive for us as we build a squad capable of competing in the newly formatted Betfred Championship.”