Rumours.. Cronk agreed to terms a few months back. Pearce to 14 or shipped to Souths

[milanja]

Cooper Cronk pursuit raises questions about Mitchell Pearce’s role at Roosters

PAUL CRAWLEY, The Daily Telegraph
October 15, 2017 8:01pm
Subscriber only
THE Sydney Roosters have no intention of forcing Mitchell Pearce out the door, even if they win the prized signature of Cooper Cronk.

The departing Melbourne halfback is expected to make a decision in the coming days about whether he will retire from the NRL or continue his career at a Sydney-based club.

The Roosters and South Sydney are said to be the only legitimate contenders if the 33-year-old stays in the NRL.

MORE: Roosters, Rabbitohs lead race to sign Cooper Cronk

Cronk is leaning towards playing next year and, if that happens, the Roosters seem the logical fit.

Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds is signed on until the end of 2021, while five-eighth Cody Walker — who filled in for Greg Inglis at fullback this year — is contracted until the end of next season.

The Roosters believe they can squeeze Cronk into their salary cap without losing any players given their high turnover of stars in recent years.

They include the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Minichiello, Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Kane Evans, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Aiden Guerra, Paul Carter and Connor Watson have also moved on from this year’s squad. Cronk is expected to make a decision about his NRL future in the coming days.
Rival clubs are watching with sceptical interest given the Roosters have signed James Tedesco, and already boast one of the strongest rosters in the NRL.

While the Roosters’ preference would be to keep Pearce, who is contracted until the end of 2019, it could depend on how he handles Cronk’s arrival if a deal goes ahead.

Pearce would have to give up the No. 7 jersey and potentially move to five-eighth or hooker.

That would create another problem for the Roosters given Luke Keary and Jake Friend are both signed until the end of next year.

Pearce is aware of the talk and no doubt it would make him uneasy, regardless of whether Cronk decides to play for the Roosters. Mitchell Pearce’s role at the Roosters could change.
While no one wants to talk about it publicly, the fact the Roosters are chasing Cronk highlights there is an obvious concern about Pearce continuing as chief playmaker.

As brave and committed as he is, Pearce’s inability to handle the clutch moments in big matches has marred his career, and he was again exposed in this year’s finals series.

Pearce made his debut in 2007 and the Roosters have put in more than a decade developing him into the player he is today.

Which is why they want him to play out his *career at the club.

But at 28 there is also a legitimate debate about his composure under pressure playing halfback.

The discussion is a delicate subject but has come to a head because of Cronk’s move to *Sydney. There is a legitimate debate about Mitchell Pearce’s composure under pressure. Picture: Brett Costello
Cronk has said previously that he would make a decision by the end of this week.

The Roosters could partner Cronk and Pearce in the halves and play Keary off the bench, although the former South Sydney five-eighth had a terrific season and led Dally M Medal voting early in the year.

The possibility of Pearce switching to dummy half poses another problem given Friend is the team’s co-captain.

Friend was far from happy last year when the Roosters entertained the prospect of signing Robbie Farah.

Easy job for a journo when he can just take some blurbs from the pen and create an article.

[Johnny.]

Pearce is a ready made centre. He can run, tackle and pass. He just can't organise or kick properly.

[Horry]

Cooper Cronk pursuit raises questions about Mitchell Pearce’s role at Roosters

PAUL CRAWLEY, The Daily Telegraph
October 15, 2017 8:01pm
Subscriber only
THE Sydney Roosters have no intention of forcing Mitchell Pearce out the door, even if they win the prized signature of Cooper Cronk.

The departing Melbourne halfback is expected to make a decision in the coming days about whether he will retire from the NRL or continue his career at a Sydney-based club.

The Roosters and South Sydney are said to be the only legitimate contenders if the 33-year-old stays in the NRL.

MORE: Roosters, Rabbitohs lead race to sign Cooper Cronk

Cronk is leaning towards playing next year and, if that happens, the Roosters seem the logical fit.

Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds is signed on until the end of 2021, while five-eighth Cody Walker — who filled in for Greg Inglis at fullback this year — is contracted until the end of next season.

The Roosters believe they can squeeze Cronk into their salary cap without losing any players given their high turnover of stars in recent years.

They include the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Minichiello, Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Kane Evans, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Aiden Guerra, Paul Carter and Connor Watson have also moved on from this year’s squad. Cronk is expected to make a decision about his NRL future in the coming days.
Rival clubs are watching with sceptical interest given the Roosters have signed James Tedesco, and already boast one of the strongest rosters in the NRL.

While the Roosters’ preference would be to keep Pearce, who is contracted until the end of 2019, it could depend on how he handles Cronk’s arrival if a deal goes ahead.

Pearce would have to give up the No. 7 jersey and potentially move to five-eighth or hooker.

That would create another problem for the Roosters given Luke Keary and Jake Friend are both signed until the end of next year.

Pearce is aware of the talk and no doubt it would make him uneasy, regardless of whether Cronk decides to play for the Roosters. Mitchell Pearce’s role at the Roosters could change.
While no one wants to talk about it publicly, the fact the Roosters are chasing Cronk highlights there is an obvious concern about Pearce continuing as chief playmaker.

As brave and committed as he is, Pearce’s inability to handle the clutch moments in big matches has marred his career, and he was again exposed in this year’s finals series.

Pearce made his debut in 2007 and the Roosters have put in more than a decade developing him into the player he is today.

Which is why they want him to play out his career at the club.

But at 28 there is also a legitimate debate about his composure under pressure playing halfback.

The discussion is a delicate subject but has come to a head because of Cronk’s move to Sydney. There is a legitimate debate about Mitchell Pearce’s composure under pressure. Picture: Brett Costello
Cronk has said previously that he would make a decision by the end of this week.

The Roosters could partner Cronk and Pearce in the halves and play Keary off the bench, although the former South Sydney five-eighth had a terrific season and led Dally M Medal voting early in the year.

The possibility of Pearce switching to dummy half poses another problem given Friend is the team’s co-captain.

Friend was far from happy last year when the Roosters entertained the prospect of signing Robbie Farah.

[The Axe]

This is exactly why I don't believe Cronk will join us.

The Club has persevered with Pearce for 10YEARS!!!

No way will they cut him now.

especially now that he has kicked 2 FGs

[Easts75]

This is exactly why I don't believe Cronk will join us.

The Club has persevered with Pearce for 10YEARS!!!

No way will they cut him now.

That is a very poor excuse to keep a player on massive coin that goes MIA all too often in big games

[Red.]

We’ve lost a few halves over the years to keep Pearse. I hope Keary does not become another casualty

This is exactly why I don't believe Cronk will join us.

The Club has persevered with Pearce for 10YEARS!!!

No way will they cut him now.

[The Axe]

We’ve lost a few halves over the years to keep Pearse. I hope Keary does not become another casualty

[Louis N]

Further our halves and Cronk talk

Keary topped the league for line break assists with 31 (next best was Mitch Pearce with 25) ran second for try assists with 24 to Ash Taylor's 29 and made more line breaks, 15, than any other half. He also bagged 8 tries. Keary's form and Gordon's kicking – he averaged 8 points per game and in six matches where the Roosters posted the same or less tries Gordon proved the difference in the close games.

My take is that Mitchell Pearce will be the man making the biggest adjustment in 2018. Whatever he does will be like starting over again, regardless of the Cronk situation. But if we do jag Cooper and we already have Teddy sewn up, then that backline is going to look red hot. I just hope we keep Keary on the books – he's young, smart and has given great service so far.

[Bondicigar]

Some days are diamonds some days are stone.
that game was 3 weeks ago history finished over gone

[Johnny Tobin]

when we got in front 12-8 I thought he we go then they drop the ball second tackle or so after the try and conversion to put us in front- needed to get to the kick on that set and conceded on their set to be behind 14-12- get in front again 16-14 and same thing again dropped ball and conceding a converted try and then down 20-16 - one would have thought they would have learnt after the first error from the next set - get to the kick on the next set after scoring a try - the way the player carried the ball up was also a glaring mistake - one arm carries easy for defender to attack the ball both times - carry the ball up in both arms wrapped around the ball as the onus is to get to the kick always after scoring. Robbo should have had the trainers onto them demanding this.

Mate by the time they play NRL they should know how to carry the ball. It’s not up to trainers to tell them. I can’t believe that clown dropped the ball twice.

[King Salvo]

We went set for set with them for the first 20 without mistakes until "Ice" dropped one cold. Then it all fell apart.

It was an idiotic conservative tactic to try and go set for set with them. It played right into their hands.

Still so pissed off about that loss.

when we got in front 12-8 I thought he we go then they drop the ball second tackle or so after the try and conversion to put us in front- needed to get to the kick on that set and conceded on their set to be behind 14-12- get in front again 16-14 and same thing again dropped ball and conceding a converted try and then down 20-16 - one would have thought they would have learnt after the first error from the next set - get to the kick on the next set after scoring a try - the way the player carried the ball up was also a glaring mistake - one arm carries easy for defender to attack the ball both times - carry the ball up in both arms wrapped around the ball as the onus is to get to the kick always after scoring. Robbo should have had the trainers onto them demanding this.

[Mickie Lane]

Pearce found out when he read it on here on the many different threads about this news....

In fact all NRL players and coaches religiously read the Chookpen for the up to date info re who is playing for who and also to get tips from the games best armchair coaches.

Mate the NRL is basically run/managed from religiously reading the Chookpen. Without the Chookpen there is no game.

[rented tracksuit]

Pearce found out when he read it on here on the many different threads about this news....

In fact all NRL players and coaches religiously read the Chookpen for the up to date info re who is playing for who and also to get tips from the games best armchair coaches.

Love the armchair coaches. Always give me a laugh.

[4 the all in brawl]

These Cronk threads get better and better. So he signed a few months back while still at the Storm? Who broke the news to Pearce and when?

Pearce found out when he read it on here on the many different threads about this news....

In fact all NRL players and coaches religiously read the Chookpen for the up to date info re who is playing for who and also to get tips from the games best armchair coaches.

[mightyrooster]

These Cronk threads get better and better. So he signed a few months back while still at the Storm? Who broke the news to Pearce and when?