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The Leigh Leopards have confirmed the signing of 24-year-old Australian half-back Adam Cook from the Canberra Raiders on a three-year contract, ahead of the 2026 season.
Cook arrives at Leigh having progressed through the Raiders system, making his first-grade debut in 2020 before spending most of his time in NSWRL/Queensland Cup level.
He has accumulated eight NRL appearances for Canberra, including one in the 2025 season.
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Background & Career Path
Born 14 November 2000 in Charters Towers, Queensland, Cook attended Ignatius Park College and played his junior rugby league for Townsville Brothers.
He rose through the ranks playing for the Townsville Blackhawks’ junior sides (Cyril Connell Cup, Mal Meninga Cup and Hastings Deering Colts) before signing for the Raiders in October 2019.
Cook made his NRL debut for Canberra in Round 20 of the 2020 season against the Cronulla Sharks.
From 2021 onwards, he spent significant time playing in the NSW and Queensland Cup competitions, featuring for clubs like the Redcliffe and Mackay Cutters.
In 2024 he was selected in the NSW Cup Team of the Year, and in 2025 he captained the Raiders’ reserve-grade side, recording 102 goals, seven tries and a tally of 232 points in 24 games.
Why Leigh have signed him
For Leigh, Cook represents a forward-looking investment—a young half-back with goal-kicking ability, leadership from the reserve grade level, and potential to step into a greater role in the Super League.
Head coach Adrian Lam said:
> “Adam is a player we have been tracking as a club for the past two years. He can take control of the game… He’s a goalkicker, has a great kicking game and his combinations with Lachlan Lam are going to be a key to our success in 2026.”
Leigh’s CEO Neil Jukes added:
> “Adam is a very exciting player who, at just 24, will bring a wealth of leadership qualities and guidance to the team… We’ve been quite open about the fact we wanted more options around Lockie (Lam) and Gaz (O’Brien) at half-back, but it was vitally important we held our nerve till the right player was available and fits what we’re looking for.”
In simple terms: Cook brings goal-kicking capability, half-back playmaking, and is seen as someone who can embed into Leigh’s spine and grow over the next few seasons.
What this means for Leigh & Cook
For Leigh Leopards:
This signing bolsters their spine ahead of 2026, giving them another viable option at half-back and someone who could challenge or partner existing playmakers.
The three-year deal shows commitment to continuity and development rather than just short-term fix.
It signals that Leigh are serious about blending youth and potential with their current squad, and building for success.
For Adam Cook:
Moving to Super League with Leigh offers a fresh start, more opportunity for regular first-team rugby, and the chance to establish himself as a key playmaker.
He will have the benefit of learning under Adrian Lam and alongside the experienced spine at Leigh — a route that may accelerate his growth.
The move also places him in a different environment, away from the crowded pathways in Australia, which might help him carve out his own identity.
Cook himself commented:
> “I am really looking forward to joining such a great club. The direction in which the club is heading is really appealing to me, especially being a half. Getting to play under Lammy and learn from him and really develop my game further, also to play in such a talented spine and hopefully help the club get a premiership. I’ve heard a lot about the fans over there so I’m super excited about embracing them and enjoying the whole experience.”
Challenges & Expectations
Of course, success is not guaranteed. Some of the factors that will determine how well the move works include:
Adaptation to Super League: While Cook has eight NRL appearances, the Super League is a different challenge — pace, structure and opposition vary, and he’ll need to adapt quickly.
Competition for the half-back position: Leigh already have players in that spine; Cook will need to earn his place and show consistency to cement a starting berth.
Consistency and durability: Transitioning from reserve grade to being relied upon week-in week-out at top-level requires strength of mind, body and performance.
Goal-kicking pressure: Being a primary kicker adds extra responsibility; if Cook can deliver with the boots it significantly enhances his value.
Integration within the squad and culture: Moving internationally, joining a new club culture, and forming connections with team-mates is often overlooked but crucial.
If he hits his stride, Cook could become a key figure for Leigh as they aim to push on in the Super League and perhaps mount a challenge for silverware in the coming seasons.
Broader Significance
This signing also reflects wider trends:
Super League clubs increasingly recruiting young talent from Australia/NZ who may not have broken through fully in the NRL, but who bring potential and hunger.
Clubs investing not just in immediate impact players, but in those they can develop over multiple seasons.
For Leigh, it shows ambition and strategic planning — they are not just trying to patch holes, they are building depth and future options.
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Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As the deal kicks in for the 2026 season, the key markers to watch will be:
How soon Cook features in the Leigh first-team and whether he starts at half-back or comes off the bench.
His goal-kicking accuracy and overall kicking game: if he can control the game through his boots, that will accelerate his standing.
His combinations with other key spine members – the half-back, hooker, half-back partner – and how well he adapts to Leigh’s playing style under Adrian Lam.
His consistency in performance — both in attack and defence — and his ability to make match-influencing plays.
How Leigh leverage his development: Will they position him as the long-term number one half-back, or will he rotate with others as they grow him gradually?
For the fans of Leigh, this signing provides hope and intrigue. If all goes well, Adam Cook could become an important player in their pursuit of success and further cement the club’s upward trajectory.
In summary: The Leigh Leopards’ acquisition of Adam Cook is a calculated investment in a promising half-back, one who brings goal‐kicking strength, leadership potential and untapped opportunity. For Cook, it’s a chance to reset and make his mark in the Super League. The coming season will be telling — but the foundations are being laid for something exciting in Leigh’s future.
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