Damien Cook always thought he'd figure prominently in Canterbury's finals campaign.
"We had a good season in the NSW Cup," Cook said. "So I thought I'd be in finals with them."
Instead, the unheralded hooker has been pitched into the top squad just as they make their customary September charge. The loss of a side's regular rake late in the season would be a blow most sides couldn't recover from.
But since filling in for the injured Michael Lichaa a fortnight ago, Cook has been a standout.
The 24-year-old has topped the tackle count in both of his NRL appearances to date this season, while also showing a turn of foot that prompted representative teammate Brett Morris to gush: "He's just as quick [as me], certainly."
That speed likely stems from years of competing as a top-line beach sprinter. But the recent success is more a reward for perseverance.
Not so long ago, he was earning cash on the side pulling beers at Helensburgh Tradies.
"I've had to be patient," Cook said. "I've always wanted to play NRL and I won't stop, I'll play as long as I can and play as many games as I can. I'm just enjoying it at the moment.
"It has been a good couple of weeks. I've been enjoying my footy this year in reserve grade. I've made the step up in the last couple of weeks and I've really enjoyed playing in the top grade.
"That's what keeps me going. That's why I keep doing it. That's why I go to training every day, hoping I get another run. It's paid off the last couple of weeks and hopefully I get a few more."
On Sunday, Cook will make just his seventh NRL appearance. His first was with St George Illawarra two years ago, but the opportunity to further his career under Des Hasler prompted the shift.
"It was a bit different leaving the Dragons, that's my junior club down there," he said.
"I got the opportunity to be coached by Des and haven't looked back since. I'm off contract but I'm not really worried about that at the moment. I'm just enjoying playing in the top grade at the moment and I love the Dogs and want to stay there. Hopefully it all works out.
"I've already spoken to the Dogs [about an extension]. We'll get this season out of the way first and hopefully work that out after."
With Michael Ennis previously at the club and then the arrival of Lichaa, there have been few opportunities for Cook to shine in the NRL. However, he remained undaunted by the prospect of biding his time.
"When [Lichaa] came across it was also good to have that healthy competition though in the same position," he said.
"He's had a great year and it wasn't good for him to have that injury a couple of weeks ago, he's been playing great for us all year.
"I've just got to do what I can to fill his spot when he is gone."
The Bulldogs made the grand final from outside the top four last year. The will again miss out on the chance for a home final but come into December with better momentum than the previous season.
