Cronk’s message to Eels clear – stop Cleary
QUEENSLAND halfback legend Cooper Cronk has urged feisty Parramatta rake Reed Mahoney to launch a seekand-destroy mission on Penrith maestro Nathan Cleary in Sunday’s NRL grand final.
Grand final specialist Cronk, who won six premierships in nine deciders, knows all about delivering on the biggest stage and he outlined Parramatta’s blueprint to shock Penrith in the western Sydney derby at Accor Stadium.
There is a view Penrith cannot be stopped if Cleary produces his A-game after the champion halfback terrorised the Eels in the Panthers’ 27-8 pummelling of Parramatta in the opening week of the finals.
But Cronk believes the Panthers are beatable – if Parramatta is prepared to bash Cleary out of the contest.
He was a halfback in the Melbourne team that suffered a boilover in the 2006 grand final when Brisbane hooker Shaun Berrigan terrorised Greg Inglis to inspire the Broncos’ 15-8 victory.
Now Cronk believes the Eels can orchestrate a similar upset by ordering Queensland Origin squad member Mahoney to harass Cleary and cut down his thinking time.
“They (Parramatta) have to make sure he (Cleary) is on the ground for the majority of his kicks,” the 372-game Storm and Roosters legend said.
“If I am Brad Arthur (Parramatta coach), I am telling someone with leg speed like Reed Mahoney – ‘Get yourself in position for tackle four and five and level Nathan Cleary’.
“To beat the Panthers, you need to go toe to toe.”
Cronk lauded Parramatta’s mental toughness and said he was happy to eat humble pie after almost ruling the Eels out of title contention with their finals loss to the Panthers.