Cronk in serious doubt, says JT

JOHNATHAN Thurston fears Roosters star Cooper Cronk faces an uphill battle to be fit for Sunday’s grand final clash with Melbourne if his shoulder injury is similar to the issue which ended his 2017 season.

Cronk suffered a severe left rotator cuff injury just before halftime of the Roosters’ preliminary final win over Souths, and conceded yesterday he is a “long shot” to play against his former teammates in the decider.

The 34-year-old, contracted to the Roosters for next year, could risk career-ending damage if he takes the field against a ruthless Storm outfit, who would target their former favourite son at every opportunity.

Thurston underwent season-ending shoulder surgery days after he damaged his rotator cuff in Origin II last year, forcing him to watch North Queensland’s grand final loss to Melbourne from the sidelines.

But Thurston said yesterday Cronk is selfless enough to rule himself out of the grand final should he be unable to compete at anywhere near his best.

“I don’t know the full extent of his injury but if it’s anything like mine, it’s going to be tough to be out there. Hopefully they can strap it, and he’ll be all right,” Thurston said of his long-time Queensland halves partner. “He has a team-first mentality and knowing Cooper, I don’t think he’d be out there as a passenger.

“He understands that, and not doubt he’ll have a different role if he can’t play.

“He’ll be making sure whoever fills his shoes is fully aware of what they need to do for the team.”

Cronk fronted media with his shoulder in a sling yesterday, but has vowed to do everything he can to make himself available for the match.

“I could move it, the best thing is just to immobilise it so I can get some recovery done, try and strengthen it up so the muscles don’t get worked over too much,” Cronk said. “The whole idea for the sling is to keep it in place, so it’s protected, and do everything I can.”

“I’m a long shot. That’s not lying.”

Should he complete a miraculous recovery, the Roosters playmaker is certain to need a painkilling injection and is adamant he could play through the pain.

The Blues came under fire for failing to target Thurston in the defensive line enough as he played through his shoulder injury during Origin last year. He went on to kick the gamewinning conversion which levelled the series, and gave Queensland the chance to wrap up the series in Origin III.

Thurston said Storm coach Craig Bellamy wouldn’t be so generous.

“It’s part and parcel (of the game),” Thurston said.

I DON’T KNOW THE FULL EXTENT OF HIS (CRONK’S) INJURY BUT IF IT’S ANYTHING LIKE MINE, IT’S GOING TO BE TOUGH TO BE OUT THERE. HOPEFULLY THEY CAN STRAP IT, AND HE’LL BE ALL RIGHT