Decision pending ...
Cronk caught up in the moment but no career confirmation
COOPER Cronk has given a strong indication his rugby league career might not be over yet, saying it is very hard to walk away from “moments like this” after the Origin decider.
The Queensland halfback was instrumental in helping the Maroons to a series victory on Wednesday night, in what could have been his final Origin appearance.
After announcing his plans in April to leave the Storm at season’s end, Cronk has not given any real indication whether he will play on in Sydney or retire.
A number of people suspect the star No.7 is leaning towards quitting the game, including his Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith.
But Cronk, who is being chased by Melbourne rivals Cronulla, says now that Origin is over he will weigh up his options – including whether he wants another year with Queensland.
“There’s been complete speculation for the last three or four months and (my future) hasn’t played a part in my mind,” Cronk said after Queensland’s stunning win.
“I haven’t thought about it, haven’t even considered it.
“But moments like this are hard to give up.
“My focus (before Origin) was purely to play the best I could possibly play because if I start worrying about outcomes, you lose focus of what needs to be done. That was my focus all week.
“I guess I have some thinking to do after this.”
Cronk would not comment directly on Cronulla’s interest in him, but the club could be a good fit given he is looking to move closer to Sydney-based fiancee Tara Rushton.
His former Queensland halves partner, Johnathan Thurston, is also in the dark about Cronk’s future plans, but said he has never seen the Melbourne maestro happier.
“He’s so calculated in everything that he does.,” Thurston said
“This is the most relaxed about life that I’ve seen him. His priorities have changed and he’s not too fussed about what lies ahead.”
Either way, Cronk said that no matter what he decides, he knows the future of the Maroons is safe.
“Queensland’s in hands,” he said.
“Origin is not about the best players. Origin is about moments, it’s about competing, it’s about getting up when you don’t really want to.
“As long as we have that in our Queensland players, no matter the calibre, I think winning is on the agenda.”
MOMENTS LIKE THIS ARE HARD TO GIVE UP. COOPER CRONK
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