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South Sydney star Damien Cook has been cleared of a quad injury and is set to play against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
South Sydney have been given a huge boost ahead of their top-four clash with NRL rivals Sydney Roosters with hooker Damien Cook cleared of a quad injury.
The Kangaroos star passed tests at training at captain's run on Thursday with coach Wayne Bennett confirming his speedy No.9 will take the field in Friday night's Suncorp Stadium derby.
"Damien had a quad strain but he's trained great and is right to go," Bennett said.
"We thought earlier in the week he might miss but he's done everything he was supposed to do and came back for ball work (on Thursday) and was spot on, so we'll play him."
Bennett said he was not tempted to rest the 30-year-old for traditional Sydney derby even though the Rabbitohs can finish no lower than third on the ladder with two games to play before finals.
Cook's inclusion gives Souths a huge advantage against the understrength Roosters who were able to name just 20 fit players on Tuesday.
Souths are close to full strength with only Keaon Koloamatangi (suspension) and Josh Mansour (knee) sidelined.
By contrast, the Roosters have been hit by a savage injury toll this season but are still battling to secure their place in the top four.
"That's the strength of their club and that's what's made them so good," Bennett said of the resilience of the Roosters.
"Besides Melbourne, they've probably been the best club in the competition for the last 20 years on a consistency basis, they've played in a lot of grand finals.
"They've had a lot of wins and played in a lot of finals series, and there's a culture there that's really strong.
"That's what carries through to your team.
"I've been a part of a few clubs like that, other guys put their hand up and they carry that spirit with them.
"I expect them to play really well tomorrow night and I think they'll be doing their absolute best."
In his three years in Sydney, Bennett said he has come to appreciate the intensity of the local rivalry between the two foundation clubs.
Friday night's clash will be the first time a premiership game has been played between the rivals outside of Sydney.
"It's something that doesn't need to beat up into anything more than what it is, but it's real. I've lived in Sydney for three years now and I get it," Bennett said.
I wasn't sure about it (before living in Sydney), but it's strong. Particularly among the fans and the players, they all light up for it and all want to play in it.
"It's healthy and really good."