Cronk in Tahs link
RUGBY’S NSW Waratahs have emerged as a surprise option for Cooper Cronk as six NRL clubs, including Newcastle, circle the Queensland Origin ace.
Cronk’s impending move to Sydney next season has sparked speculation the Storm playmaker could go back to the future by testing his skill set in the 15- a- side code at the Waratahs.
Rumours of a Cronk code defection gathered momentum last weekend in the wake of the Waratahs’ 40- 33 loss to the Auckland Blues.
Blues players are convinced Cronk is being targeted by the Waratahs.
The whispers reached the ears of Auckland coach Tana Umaga, a 74- Test All Blacks legend who has told rugby identities the Waratahs are keen to sign Cronk.
Australian rugby is mired in a performance crisis and the signing of Cronk would give the code a public relations coup as the Wallabies build for the 2019 World Cup.
Cronk dropped a bombshell last month when he revealed he will quit Melbourne at season’s end to be closer to fiancee Tara Rushton.
His new life in Sydney next season, coupled with a reluctance to play against the Storm in rugby league, has opened the door for the Waratahs.
NSWRU board member John Morrison insists the Waratahs have not made a formal approach, but are prepared to talk to Cronk.
“Cooper is an impressive fella and would fit into a rugby team,” Morrison said.
“We have a strategy to develop our own, that is our first preference. There are some financial restrictions with the position we are in but our overall principle is to focus on bringing talent from within our own systems.
“But we’d talk to any player who is interested in playing rugby, particularly league players who have played for their state or country.”