Cooper Cronk Officially Signs - Discussion Thread

[rwbfl]

We are yet to release Nikorima (only going based on no official statement from the club or his manager). Will be interesting to see if we managed to sign Cronk before this release or if the NRL approved his deal based on the acknowledgement that the cap room would be made.

If we managed to sign Cronk without the need to release any players, then the impending release of Nikorima could allow us to sign a depth player or two over the pre-season.

[Geohood]

Loved this part:

COOPER Cronk has adamantly declared he wants the Roosters to keep Mitchell Pearce, describing the club’s incumbent halfback as “a lure” that helped to attract his signature.

In his first interview since signing with the Tricolours, Cronk told NRL 360 he had phoned Pearce earlier today to assure him he wasn’t trying to replace the No.7.

While Cronk wouldn’t go into specifics about the phone call, he said the Roosters would have their best chance of success in 2018 if Pearce and Luke Keary remained to complement him.

It’s just the latest twist in a fascinating story, with Pearce meeting with Roosters coach Trent Robinson today to clear the air over his future.

It is still unclear whether Pearce will decide to stay on in what shapes as the most potent playmaking structure in the game or request a release and enter talks with the three clubs lining up for his services — Manly, Newcastle and Cronulla.

For his part, Cronk hopes Pearce can be convinced to stay.

“I had a chat to Mitchell earlier today, I won’t go into specifics or anything like that, but it wasn’t about me convincing or preaching or anything like that,” Cronk said.

“Mitchell’s been front and centre at the Roosters for a long time and as I said he’s got an arsenal of weapons to play in the halves that I think he can dominate.

“And there’s a few things I think I can help him with and there’s a lot of things I think he can help me with, so there’s going to be a lot of things that we can do together.

“That’s my preferred option, that everyone stays and buys into the Roosters culture, which I’m going to have to dive into and understand as quickly as possible.

“From my point of view, as long as everyone’s got the ability to work hard, be selfless, and when it comes down to the crunch put the team first, then I’m sure that no matter what system or players Trent chooses on a Saturday night or a Friday night, whatever timeslot we play, I’m sure the best team will be out on the paddock.”

Cronk said he hadn’t had specific discussions with Robinson about the best fit for all the playmaking personnel currently on the clubs books, should they all stay for 2018 and beyond.

However, he did reveal their meeting had involved discussion about “style of play” that’s likely to dictate the eventual halves pairing.

“We haven’t had those specific conversations about how it looks like, we just spoke about a style of play, some trends around the game and things like that,” Cronk said.

“But I will say this, one of the exciting things and the lures to play at the Roosters was to play alongside Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary.

“Both those kids have an arsenal of weapons to dominate in the halves and for me to come along and play with them and help them a little bit, they’re definitely going to teach me something as well.

“I don’t see my game being the end product, I think I can improve and get better and there’s some traits that Mitchell have that I think I can learn off and there’s some traits that I have that they might be able to learn off as well.”

WILL HIS REP CAREER CONTINUE?

While Cronk has now got clarity around his club future, with a two-year deal likely to bring his career to an end at the Roosters, he is still yet to make a decision about whether he goes on for Queensland and Australia.

Cronk is the starting halfback for both teams and, with the Kangaroos looking in good shape to hoist the World Cup in just over a month, it could be considered a good time to finish up and focus on his new club.

Cronk said he hadn’t yet had a chance to think that through, leaving the door open to continue in the Origin and Test arena.

“I haven’t considered that. I very much enjoy playing for Australia, it’s the pinnacle of our game and what Mal Meninga’s doing here with the RISE and this World Cup,” Cronk said.

“This was the best time for me to announce it, I didn’t want to do anything leading into that England game and we’ve got a World Cup to try to be victorious in and play really well, so this was the best time to announce it, in terms of the Roosters contract for 2018 and 2019.

“But I didn’t want to hijack what we’re trying to do here for Australia, and that’s be competitive and hopefully stand at the top of the dais at the end of this tournament.

“So in terms of a decision, I’m not really sure of what my representative future holds but I can guarantee you right now I’ll be doing everything I possibly can to help the green and gold be successful this year.”

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...03017d2b29b16b

[Geohood]

This is a great signing - not merely for on-field ability - but I see him as having an unique coach-like effect on the team. Not just in tactics, but the bolded part above is something that we have been lacking. I'm sure our coaching staff are excited to have him for that reason too.

[eddie]

It is pretty obvious to me the club signed Cronk because we clearly need an onfield leader to run the team around the park. Pearce clearly isn't one.....

A fair % of the chookpen figured that out years ago.
Can't say the club hasn't been incredilbly patient and loyal.

When Cronk became available, it would of been inexcusable if the club didn't try to get him.

[Thirteen]

Cronk was so impressive in that interview. Oozes class and professionalism. I’'m very grateful he'’s part of our club now.

[Lydon]

Without being disrespectful to Pearce,listening to both players speak in interviews alone have me convinced we have made the right call with Cronk!So impressive..

[novice chook]

And OK, I may be a bit slow, but I've just noticed that the Pen is currently the Limited Edition Cronk Pen Very well done Chris. Will there be T-Shirts and Caps to follow? I still have my old tattered Wallster shirt ...

[PeeGee]

One thing about Cronk and Smith (and slater to a degree) is that they seem to be genuinely smart footballers. And by smart I mean intelligent, well spoken, individuals. This obviously for them results in better clutch / pressure cooker decisions (to add to their amazing rugby league work ethic, skills, & execution).

I think we all know what DumB football looks like.

[2 weeks]

Cronk is already educating our squad.
Talking about playing off the bench if that's what is best for the team.
Are our team of dubbos listening?
Cronk brings so much to the club with his off field professionalism it's extraordinary.

[Lydon]

Seeing Nikorima on instagram in a gym acting like a clown in a Panthers training singlet?!?
Hope that’s a sign that he is out of our Club,his signing was one of the major errors our Club has made..
I guess you win some and lose more..

[eddie]

Seeing Nikorima on instagram in a gym acting like a clown in a Panthers training singlet?!?
Hope that’s a sign that he is out of our Club,his signing was one of the major errors our Club has made..
I guess you win some and lose more..

He had a lot of potential, but if the rumours regarding his salary are true I am scratching my head.
That would be a major error.

[mightyrooster]

So he's gone to the Riff?

[Lydon]

So he's gone to the Riff?

Not sure,just saw him on Instagram training and being a larrikin in the gym with mates whilst wearing a Panthers training singlet..

[2 weeks]

"But as long as every player on the team has a selfless attitude and mindset to do what it takes for the team to be successful and everyone is running in the same direction with a high set of skills then anything is possible, there's no ceiling on what you can do."

[Johnny.]

Seeing Nikorima on instagram in a gym acting like a clown in a Panthers training singlet?!?
Hope that’s a sign that he is out of our Club,his signing was one of the major errors our Club has made..
I guess you win some and lose more..

I think not sending him home in a cab on Australia last year under pain of sanction was a mistake.