NSW Waratahs have emerged as a surprise option for Cooper Cronk, as well as six NRL clubs

RUGBY’S NSW Waratahs have emerged as a surprise option for Cooper Cronk as six NRL clubs, including Newcastle, circle the Queensland Origin ace.

Cooper Cronk’s Sydney switch has the rumour mill in full effect. Photo: Mark Evans

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 in Sydney.

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.

SLATER: NRL needs to fix drugs problem

LIVE: NRL teams round 10

Cooper Cronk’s Sydney switch has the rumour mill in full effect. Photo: Mark Evans

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 if he is considering a code switch.

“Cooper is an impressive fella and would fit into a rugby team, especially given his proven background in the sport,” 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 to Waratah level.

“But we’d talk to any player who is interested in playing rugby, particularly league players who have played for their state or country.

“We’d consider it, but until there is a definite approach, it remains speculation as to who would possibly come.”

While a switch to rugby seems unlikely, Cronk ticks the boxes on several fronts. He played rugby for seven years at Brisbane’s St Laurence’s College between 1994-2001 before being spotted by Storm scouts.

The Waratahs would not be a totally foreign environment for Cronk. The 33-year-old played with Israel Folau at the Storm and Waratahs playmaker Mack Mason was his understudy in Melbourne prior to his return to rugby.

Morrison said Cronk — clean cut, articulate, high-achieving and ultra-professional — was the right fit for rugby union.

Cronk would give the struggling code a real boost. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

“He has the values and qualities that come with recruits that we would look at,” he said.

“But in terms of the overall rugby league player, if they are interested in playing rugby, they have to come for the love of the game and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Cronk’s manager George Mimis said the Test playmaker is in no rush to sort out his playing future beyond this season.

“At this juncture, Cooper has no interest in having any external conversations with anyone from any sport,” he said.

“He has yet to determine whether he will be playing NRL beyond 2017 and that decision is some time off.”

Originally published as NSW Waratahs have emerged as a surprise option for Cooper Cronk, as well as six NRL clubs