Roosters tipped to sign Cronk

LEAGUE: The chase for Cooper Cronk is officially on.

Cronk told his agent George Mimis yesterday he wanted to continue his NRL career in Sydney for possibly the next two years.

Mimis confirmed: “Cooper asked me to explore what opportunities are out there and he will play if the right option exists.”

It ends months of speculation after the champion halfback revealed early this season that he was leaving Melbourne to move to Sydney to live with his partner Tara Rushton.

While no deal has been done, the Sydney Roosters are in the box seat to secure the 33-year-old’s prized signature.

South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson said last week his club would not be signing Cronk.

But it is understood the Roosters are keen and say they have enough room in their salary cap to make the deal happen.

The Roosters have made it known they have no intention of forcing Mitchell Pearce out of the club, but if the deal is done Cronk will be wearing the No.7 jumper.

Meanwhile, colourful character Jamal Idris has announced his shock retirement from professional football, which he says was forced by injury.

The 27-year-old made the announcement on his Instagram page on Thursday.

“The game has given me so much. More than anything it has given me character, a way to express myself and the ability to change the lives of others,” he wrote.

Idris played 136 NRL games with the Bulldogs, Titans, Panthers and Tigers in an eventful career that spanned nine years. He also represented Australia and NSW.