CROOK COOPER FACES CAREER-DEFINING CALL
COOPER Cronk could be risking his career if the Roosters halfback is to do what Johnathan Thurston could not and overcome a shoulder injury for Sunday’s NRL grand final against former club Melbourne.
Cronk has been given until an hour before kick-off to recover from what the Roosters yesterday described as a “severe left rotator cuff injury”.
The former Kangaroos and Queensland Origin No.7 battled through the pain for the entire second half of the Roosters’ preliminary final win against South Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Cronk was barely able to move his left arm, could not tackle effectively and had trouble catching, passing and kicking.
While the details of Cronk’s injury are being kept secret, it is similar to the injury Thurston suffered during Game Two of last year’s State of Origin series.
Thurston played through the rotator cuff injury for the remainder of the game, but was forced to undergo surgery days later after being told he risked permanent damage and an early end to his career.
Not much stopped Thurston throughout a glittering 17-season NRL career that saw the Cowboys legend rack up 323 NRL games and win four Dally M Medals.
But rotator cuff injuries can be serious and Cronk faces an uphill battle and the possibility of a careerthreatening injury if he is to face the Storm at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.