Infotainment Factory: Albo's cunning ploy to free Rabbitohs ace

The Rabbitohs plan on naming Damien Cook for Friday night's clash with the Roosters even though the game will be played within his seven-day COVID-19 quarantine period.

And South Sydney could owe his availability to a move by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

That's what The Sydney Morning Herald has reported as Cook recovers from COVID-19 after the veteran Rabbitohs hooker tested positive to the virus on Saturday morning.

The result scratched Cook from the Rabbitohs' match against the Cowboys at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday night, won by South Sydney 20-10.

But Albanese has told the Rabbitohs a discussion will be held regarding COVID-19 quarantine period rules at Wednesday's national cabinet meeting, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

The masthead expects the COVID-19 quarantine period to be cut from seven days to five, freeing Cook for the first NRL match at the new Sydney Football Stadium.

Under the new rules, Cook would be free on Thursday morning, giving him 36 hours to prepare for the match, which will be played on Friday night.

Albanese was at the Rabbitohs' match against the Cowboys on Saturday night.

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