Cronk keeps host of keen clubs in dark
WAYNE Bennett picked seven NRL players for his England World Cup team but returned to England- based veteran Sean O’Loughlin as his captain.
Bennett bypassed three seasoned internationals with extensive NRL captaincy experience, Sam Burgess, James Graham and Gareth Widdop, to reappoint Wigan skipper O’Loughlin.
O’Loughlin, a 34- year- old lock, was captain and the winner of the best player award in the 2015 Test series win over New Zealand, England’s first in eight years.
England named two Burgess brothers, Sam and Thomas, but not George. Others from the NRL are Raiders Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead and Cronulla’s Chris Heighington. COOPER Cronk is expected to let his manager know within the next fortnight whether he will play next season. NRL clubs continue to vigorously pursue Cronk, although the Kangaroos World Cup halfback still hasn’t declared his plans for 2018. Until Cronk has reached a decision, there is a reluctance from his management company to heavily chase offers. The Sydney Roosters rumour refuses to fade but no formal contact between the club and player has happened. Clubs will fly into a frenzy if Cronk decides to play in 2018. He will demand $ 1 million a season. It was thought Cronk would decide after the World Cup. Now it appears likely he will decide before then. Cronk’s manager George Mimis was reluctant to comment yesterday, only saying: “We have no new progress at this stage regarding Cooper’s future intent. He is considering his options.” Roosters CEO Joe Kelly did not return calls yesterday. Several clubs have expressed curiosity at how Cronk could be squeezed into a club’s salary cap so late in the year.