Cronk may pierce Mitchell’s Roosters bubble
MITCHELL Pearce is in the dark over talk linking Cooper Cronk to the Sydney Roosters.
But make no mistake, Pearce has every reason to be feeling nervous.
While no one wants to talk about it publicly, the fact the Roosters are chasing Cronk highlights that sections at the club are questioning Pearce’s role as chief playmaker. The departing Melbourne halfback is expected to make a decision this week about whether he will retire from the NRL or continue his career at a Sydney-based club.
The Roosters and South Sydney are said to be the only legitimate contenders if the 33year-old stays in the NRL.
Cronk is believed to be leaning towards playing in 2018.
There is no question the Roosters are keen on Cronk and believe they can squeeze him into their salary cap, despite already having this year’s halves pairing Pearce and Luke Keary signed for next season.
Understandably, rival clubs are watching with interest given the Roosters have also signed James Tedesco to their star-studded roster.
Pearce committed to a twoyear extension earlier this season while Keary has a year to run on his contract after linking from South Sydney.
Pearce is said to be aware of the talk, which would have to make him uneasy regardless of whether Cronk decides to play for the Roosters.
Pearce’s ability to handle the clutch moments in big matches has marred his career, and were again exposed in this year’s finals series.
After debuting in 2007, the Roosters have put in a decade developing Pearce into the player he is today.