Cronk up against his own creation
COOPER Cronk’s chances of a dream NRL sign- off have come down to this: Can he outwit the monster he helped to create?
Cowboys teammates believe the lightbulb moment that ignited Michael Morgan’s season was a chat with Cronk during an Australian camp this summer in which the veteran halfback spoke about the responsibilities of stepping up as a key playmaker.
Seizing the moment, walking the walk, taking control, making things happen.
Since that moment it’s almost as if the JT replacement has morphed into a mini- me of Cronk with his precision, poise, calmness and conjuring skills creating a path of havoc through the competition and a vibe among his team that everything will work out fine.
Now, suddenly, they must face each other.
There is so much at stake at all levels.
One person watching with great interest will be Australian coach Mal Meninga, who must work out where both men fit into his Australian World Cup team.
Melbourne beware. The reckless Roosters, the nervous Eels or the disjointed Broncos might offer you an occasional free punch at an unguarded chin, but the Cowboys don’t.
They won’t beat themselves. The Storm will have to take the game off them.
The Cowboys will slap down their 8.5 out of 10 game and Melbourne will take the title if they rise to their customary 9 out of 10. But they are one off day from being sandpapered to death.