Damien Cook scores in Dragons return as Roosters struggle in pre-season trial
A new era for the Dragons has started in promising circumstances with a 26-8 trial match win over the Roosters.
New recruits Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes, Lachlan Ilias, Damien Cook and Emre Guler all featured at Jubilee Stadium with Cook scoring the second try of the night.
While the fresh signings were the focus externally, it was Kyle Flanagan who lit up the opening exchanges, scoring in the 18th minute.
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Flanagan finished the match with two try assists, a linebreak assist and a linebreak as well to start his season in style.
Damien Cook during the Dragons' trial match. NRL Imagery
After tries to the half and Cook, Sione Finau was next to score before the Roosters hit back through Dom Young to make it 18-4 at half time.
Young prodigy Tyreece Tait then shortened the deficit for the Roosters after the break.
However, the Dragons finished strong with Kade Reed and Mikaele Ravalawa crashing over.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan looked frustrated at times with his side coughing up 13 errors to the Roosters' seven but Michael Ennis believes there's plenty to be happy about.
"I think he'll be really pleased," he said on Fox League.
"A number of times we saw him in the coaching box disappointed with some moments but when he goes back and watches it I think he'll be really pleased with the excitement and energy that his side came out with.
"I thought his side out enthused the Roosters."
