Cronk to play on in NSW
COOPER Cronk has opened the door for the Sydney Roosters to make a significant NRL play for him after telling his manager to begin taking offers for 2018.
Cronk had remained coy on his future since announcing in April he was leaving Melbourne to move to Sydney to be closer to his partner Tara Rushton.
But yesterday, the 33-yearold met his manager George Mimis to take his career into at least a 15th season if the right offer was on the table.
“Cooper has advised me today that should a suitable opportunity be available, he will consider continuing his career in Sydney,” Mimis said.
“I will now undertake some discussions to determine the feasibility of that for him.”
The Roosters remain the most likely destination for the two-time Dally M winner.
The club’s chief executive Joe Kelly didn’t return calls yesterday, but they are yet to deny links between Cronk and the club.
They would also likely prove the most enticing onfield option for the Queensland and Australian halfback.
With an already established roster, he could be the missing piece to the club’s jigsaw puzzle, having finished in the top two four times in the past five seasons for the one premiership.
The arrival of fullback James Tedesco could also allow Cronk to build a Billy Slater-like combination with him at the back.
His arrival, though, might create chaos in the player market and throw serious doubts over the futures of Mitchell Pearce, Luke Keary or even Jake Friend.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan also flagged his interest earlier in the year, as part of a move that could potentially have freed up five-eighth James Maloney to chase more money elsewhere.
Some clubs have already made clear they won’t be making a late offer.
South Sydney general manager Shane Richardson confirmed last week that the Rabbitohs would not seek Cronk’s services.
Wests Tigers boss Justin Pascoe and his Penrith Panthers counterpart Brian Fletcher both said yesterday their clubs wouldn’t court the former Storm star.
Canterbury also aren’t in a position to do so, given they have just solved their own salary-cap woes.
It’s unlikely Parramatta or St George Illawarra will make any play given recent investments in their halves combinations.