How Cooper Cronk is following in Sonny Bill Williams’ footsteps and influencing the Roosters’ culture

ROOSTERS legend Anthony Minichiello lifts the lid on how star recruit Cooper Cronk is following in Sonny Bill Williams’ footsteps and influencing the Tricolours’ culture.

WHEN the Sydney Roosters last lifted Norm and Arthur, a humble notepad and a superstar nicknamed ‘SBW’ played a major role in their rise to the top.

Sonny Bill Williams made a significant impact during the Tricolours’ title run in 2013, but his influence extended beyond big game performances and bums on seats.

Talk to those within Roosters HQ and SBW’s greatest legacy was a weathered A4 exercise book filled with training tips.

Entitled ‘Sonny’s Scroll’, the pad was the perfect insight into the professionalism that drives the duel premiership winner and World Cup-winning All Black.

Sonny Bill would bring his pad to every training session, prompting his teammates to follow suit.

SPORT CONFIDENTIAL: Brooks backs Lodge comeback

SWITCH: Pearce feels ‘better suited’ to Newcastle

Cooper Cronk has already started stretching his teammates.

Flash forward four years and the Roosters are experiencing the second coming of SBW in prized recruit, Cooper Cronk.

Just like Sonny Bill helped the boys from Bondi lift their standards, Cronk is being credited for achieving similar cultural results in the extra effort stakes.

From arriving early for training to staying back with teammates to perfect a kick, running line or pass and holding people accountable for their performances, the former Storm half never stops working.

According to Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello, Cronk is the perfect man to guide the Tricolours back to the Promised Land.

SBW was renowned for his attitude at training. (Mark Evans)

“Cooper is like an extra coach on the field at training,” Minichiello beamed about Cronk, who will make his Roosters debut in Saturday’s trial against Manly on the Central Coast.

“Speaking to the outside backs, they love working with Cooper.

“He is building combinations and working out calls and when to kick, plus he takes the time to teach them and offer advice.

“Cooper has got the runs on the board and we’ll see that on the field this season. He is similar to Sonny in that regard.

“They are both professionals, so they go about their business quite meretriciously.

“Sonny was really good for the Polynesian players in the team. They could relate to him really well. Cooper has achieved so much and that’s why guys look up to him and follow him.”

Cronk’s desire is having an effect. Picture: Brett Costello

Minichiello recently had coffee with Cronk and says the legendary Queenslander hasn’t come to Sydney to “take it easy”.

The champion playmaker’s dedication and winning desire was on display in the pre-season when he arrived for training ahead of schedule despite competing in Australia’s successful World Cup campaign.

“Cooper could have had another week or two off, but he wanted to come in and start,” he said.

“He wants to better his game and build some new combinations.

“Cooper is a senior player within the game and I think he will add a lot to the team in pressure situations.”

James Tedesco has also started his Roosters career for a determined focus.

Fortunately for the Roosters, Cronk isn’t the only newcomer influencing the Bondi-based club in a positive way.

Minichiello says NSW Origin fullback James Tedesco has been equally prominent as he prepares to make his maiden appearance for the Tricolours against Manly on Saturday.

“Teddy came back two weeks early than what he was expected,” he said.

“He came prior to New Year to get moving and really get a feel for the culture that is being created at the Roosters.

“Coming across to the Roosters was a big decision for him and his family, but he is excited about taking his game to the next level.

“I think he has got the right coaching to do that.”

Minichiello says the Roosters will also be crowing heading into 2018 following a successful pre-season camp in Queenstown, New Zealand.

On top of team bonding, the players and coaching staff completed a brutal 12-hour boot camp — which included running through rugged terrain while on food and water rations.

“From all reports the players came back buzzing,” he said.

“They did a bit of hard work and mental preparation and they said it was one of the best camps they’ve had in a long time.”

After a strong summer on the training paddock, Minichiello says the Roosters are primed to fulfil their title aspirations this season.

“We were in a great position last year to make the grand final or challenge for the title, but we just fell short,” he said.

“They finished second and they were in the box seat to lift the trophy, so they were all disappointed with that last game against the Cowboys.

“That is a burning desire to get better this year.”

Originally published as How Cooper Cronk is following in Sonny Bill Williams’ footsteps and influencing the Roosters’ culture