You ain’t seen nothing yet, Robinson insists
RUGBY LEAGUE: Cooper Cronk’s high-profile halves combination with Luke Keary is far from complete despite the pair’s star showing last weekend, Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has warned.
Cronk was involved in all seven of the Roosters’ tries in last week’s 30-point win over Newcastle, and he and Keary combined directly three times in the lead-up to points.
The performance catapulted the club into premiership favouritism ahead of today’s blockbuster clash with the in-form Warriors.
“People are excited about what they saw, but that’s not the limit,” Robinson said.
“It’s round three and if people think that’s the ceiling it’s going to be a long season.
“There are some things where I don’t think we have nailed our execution each week. We’re getting it more and more each week, so that is a positive.”
Robinson is impressed with the speed that veteran Cronk has had an impact on those around him despite a shortened pre-season due to the World Cup.
“Cooper has understood with the players around him how he can get the best out of those guys,” Robinson said. “One of his strengths is to help pull the strings of the players around him.
“We’re not finished – we’re not at the top yet but it’s been a progression each week on that.”
Keary is one of those players Cronk is already bringing the best out of, and it’s put him in the hunt for NSW Origin selection.
After Nathan Cleary went down last weekend, Cronk declared Keary had the right skill set and pedigree to make it in the Origin arena.
But his coach wasn’t so keen to weigh into the conversation.
“I know I’m going to get asked that a lot but you’ve got to ask (Origin coach) Freddie (Brad Fittler) all that,” Robinson said. “Is he a very good footballer? Yes he is a very good footballer. He’s a Blue. Is he going to improve? That’s what we’re pushing him to do.”