DOWNS JUNIOR SET FOR STORM SUCCESSION
Downs junior may inherit champion team
Brodie Croft could have a big job to take on next year as he looms as a strong contender to take over the NRL premiership-winning Melbourne Storm.
The 34-6 demolition of North Queensland in Sunday night’s grand final at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium was the last game for the Storm for halfback Cooper Cronk.
The Queensland and Australia star playmaker has not revealed whether he will play on with another club next season and when asked post-game what his plans were, Cronk said he had some thinking to do after celebrating the premiership win with his Storm team mates.
One thing for certain is that the Storm will need someone to step in at halfback for their title defence and Croft is a genuine contender.
The Highfields and Toowoomba Clydesdales junior is regarded as a Cronk clone given his similar look and the way he plays the game.
Croft has served as Cronk’s understudy in Melbourne and filled in for the outgoing legend of the club in the NRL team at various points over the past two seasons.
The 20-year-old played four games for the Storm this year including kicking a match-winning field against the Cowboys back in round 15.
He spent the bulk of the season playing in the Intrust Super Cup with Easts but Croft has been part of the Storm NRL squad this season.
Melbourne captain Cameron Smith paid tribute to the whole Storm squad in his victory speech.
“To all of the players, not just the 16 or 17 here on stage, but the rest of the group down here, boys, it has just been a pleasure to be part of this year,” Smith said.
The Storm are always strong finals contenders so rivals prepare diligently to face them.
But as defending premiers, rivals will certainly be out to down the Storm next season which could provide Croft with a massive challenge in steering the team around should he earn the No.7 jersey next year.