Cronk’s apprentice set to fill champ’s boots

MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy has declared Brodie Croft ready to step up in place of champion halfback Cooper Cronk.

Storm will officially unleash Croft as the new owner of the No. 7 jersey in Friday night’s World Club Challenge game against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at AAMI Park. Croft has played just five NRL games in two seasons working under Cronk, who signed with Sydney Roosters in the off-season.

“He couldn’t have done too much more than what he’s done,” Bellamy said. “He’s training really hard and very competitive, hopefully he’ll get the rewards for having a really good preseason.”

Croft, Curtis Scott and Brandon Smith have been the standouts of the World Cupintegrate interrupted preseason, which robbed Storm of the chance to the next generation with the old guard.

Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Will Chambers only recently returned to training after guiding the Kangaroos to victory in the World Cup.

Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji) and Kenny Bromwich (New Zealand) were among the Storm internationals.

More time would have been ideal for Croft to build a rapport, but Bellamy is confident the emerging Queenslander is up to the task.

Christian Welch, on the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction, could line up against the Rhinos after a powerful performance last week in the closed trial against Newcastle Knights.

Storm recruit Sam Kasiano (ankle) has been ruled out, while Josh Addo-Carr (hamstring) is doubtful.

HE’S TRAINING REALLY HARD AND VERY COMPETITIVE, HOPEFULLY HE’LL GET THE REWARDS FOR HAVING A REALLY GOOD PRESEASON.