Jason Demetriou makes brutal confession about why he dropped Damien Cook at Souths

Jason Demetriou has backed Damien Cook to return to form this week after returning the Blues representative back to the starting line-up against the Storm on Thursday. Cook was dropped two weeks ago for the game against the Sharks, which prompted many fans to question the decision from the under-pressure Demetriou.

Many felt Cook wasn't the problem in an under-performing Rabbitohs outfit, which saw them sit last ahead of their bye round. The Rabbitohs arguably played their best game of the season in the 34-22 loss to the high-flying Sharks. While many speculated over Demetriou's job, the coach appears to have been given time heading into the round-seven bye.

Cook admitted he was 'angry' after being dropped, but also said he enjoyed playing footy upon his return to the NSW Cup. And after a break, Cook now finds himself back in the starting line-up. Demetriou's decision has left many fans confused. Although the coach has revealed he wanted the No.9 to work on some aspects of his game when not selected.

“There was just some things we needed to work on. Conversations will stay between Damien and myself,” Demetriou said. “He was really honest in how he handled going back to NSW Cup. We’ve got an opportunity now to have a two-hooker system … using that as an asset for us.

Demetriou admitted he was fine with Cook being disappointed he was dropped as he looks to create a competitive edge within the squad. "There's 36 players in your squad, a few injuries and there's 15 blokes that aren't getting picked every week so you want (them) to feel hurt," he said.

"It's no different to Tallis Duncan and Sean Keppie at the moment, they're feeling the same but they've got to fight their way back in. Cookie's an experienced player, we need him at his best."

Under-siege Rabbitohs face important NRL run

Coach Demetriou and the Rabbitohs face a vital run of fixtures in the next few weeks. Having never defeated the Storm in Melbourne, they then face reigning champions the Panthers next week. Demetriou admitted the next five weeks after important and he was was ready for the challenge.

"It's huge," Demetriou said of the schedule. "We're not where we want to be but there's process on how we're going to get back there and this next five weeks allows us to simplify our focus. We have some real key areas at the end of the five weeks where we want to show huge improvements."

And Demetriou admitted the team was improving and most of the pressure was external noise. "I feel great, to be honest," he said. "(The pressure) is obviously all external noise but the fact is the players want to play and they've turned up every week. We saw that in that performance (against the Sharks) and I'm sure we'll see that again tomorrow night."

Demetriou's side will be without Latrell Mitchell, who was banned for three games for his elbow on Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson. Jye Gray debuted in his place against the Sharks and made a strong impression. He has the opportunity to make the No.1 position his own during Mitchell's absence.