There’s no cap on Croker’s ambition
IN THE midst of a storm that has blown over Manly in the form of another NRL salary cap saga, the unlikely winner is youngster Lachlan Croker.
The 21-year-old has had his share of injuries in his short career, including two ACL tears, a PCL tear and shoulder troubles, but has emerged as a potential answer to Manly’s fiveeighth conundrum.
The Sea Eagles were rocked by allegations of salary cap breaches last month and fiveeighth Blake Green moved across the Tasman to help create financial space on the club’s roster.
But when Mitchell Pearce turned down the opportunity to sign with the club, Manly were left without a halves partner for Daly Cherry-Evans.
With turmoil comes opportunity and in this instance the light shone upon the nephew of Canberra Raiders legend Jason Croker.
Croker’s debut in round two of 2016 was one to forget, the Goulburn junior succumbing to a serious shoulder injury late in the first half.
Almost two years later, it remains his only NRL game.
Further injuries cruelled Croker in recent seasons during his time with the Mounties in NSW Cup.
On the outer with Canberra, he knew he would have to look elsewhere to satisfy his craving for the big time.
Enter Manly coach Trent Barrett, who is one of Croker’s greatest admirers.
When Barrett called with an offer that could get him out of reserve grade, it was too good to refuse.
“He told me early on in the piece that I wasn’t signed to take my time coming through reserve grade,” Croker said.
“He was always going to try and find me a spot somewhere.
“Once the deal was sent through, I knew Manly was a beautiful part of the world, a really great club and I couldn’t really knock it back and I haven’t looked back since.
“I spoke to Baz twice, and the way he spoke, along with everything I’d heard about him, it made the decision a lot easier. It’s been everything I thought it would be.”
While he has been presented with a dream opportunity at Manly, Croker knows his elusive second NRL cap won’t be delivered on a platter.
In his favour is his utility value. He has spent time in the one, six and seven jerseys and can also make a good fist of playing at hooker.
His competition for the five-eighth role will come from Jackson Hastings and Cameron Cullen, so a bench spot may well be Croker’s best option first-up at his new club.
Barrett has had a tendency to rest Api Koroisau during games, so Croker’s ability to fill in at hooker could come in very handy.
“I’ve always felt I’ve had a utility role in my back pocket,’’ Croker said. “I’ll play wing if I have to.”
ONCE THE DEAL WAS SENT THROUGH, I KNEW MANLY WAS A BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE WORLD, A REALLY GREAT CLUB AND I COULDN’T REALLY KNOCK IT BACK AND I HAVEN’T LOOKED BACK SINCE.
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