NRL 2023: Canberra Raiders dismiss Cooper Cronk criticism over Jarrod Croker’s 300th game resting

The Raiders have fired back at criticism from Cooper Cronk, over Ricky Stuarts controversial decision to rest Jarrod Croker ahead of his 300th NRL game. See Buzz’s highs and lows.

Ricky Stuart dismissed Cooper Cronk's criticism over resting Jarrod Croker ahead of his 300th NRL game.

The Canberra Raiders have dismissed criticism from Fox Sports commentator Cooper Cronk over coach Ricky Stuart’s decision to stand down club legend Jarrod Croker for what would have been his 300th game against the Wests Tigers in Campbelltown next weekend.

Instead Croker will play the milestone game in front of the green machine’s army of fans in the national capital the following weekend.

“I can’t agree with that,” Cronk said, “You scrap, you claw, you fight …’

“The Raiders have done that to get their season back on track winning the bulk of games when Jarrod has been there. That whole character – we are in it together mantra – it doesn’t matter what game you are playing.

Cooper Cronk has slammed the decision for the Raiders to rest Jarrod Croker in Round 14, so he can play his 300th NRL game in front of home fans. Picture: Getty Images.

“A wise old man once said “don’t count your games, make your games count.’

“He should be playing against the Tigers, he should win that and celebrate that and then go back to Canberra and celebrate that one.”.

When contacted yesterday Stuart chose not to respond to Cronk.

He knows his team and players better than anyone and won’t listen to outside noises.

They have now won six of their last seven games to storm into top-four contention.

Cronk is adamant the Raiders should play Croker against the Tigers, but Ricky Stuart has defended the decision, saying the captain will benefit from the rest. Picture: Getty Images.

“Forget the 300-game issue for starters,” Stuart said.

“This has been planned for weeks. We’ve been monitoring Jarrod’s workloads.

“Our staff actually think he will benefit from having a spell.

“The is absolutely no disrespect to the Wests Tigers because I’d do the same against any other team.

“This is about our fans, our members and Jarrod in what will be one of the most special and significant nights in our club’s history.”

HIGHLIGHT

State of Origin normally kills club football for six weeks at this time of the year without 34 superstars. On Super Saturday we witnessed two gripping edge-of-your-seat contests. The Warriors v Broncos and Rabbitohs v Raiders were both outstanding footy games.

LOWLIGHT

The terrible medical scare around Corey Harawira-Naera at Accor Stadium on Saturday night. Thankfully all involved on the Raiders medical staff, players from both sides and coach Ricky Stuart handled a really tough situation with great care and class.

Corey Harawira-Naera’s medical scare has rocked the NRL community, and the medical staff and players deserve a massive wrap for their quick thinking. Picture: NRL Photos.

WALKER BLOW

In a blow for the Sydney Roosters, halfback Sam Walker’s comeback has been delayed for at least another fortnight to three weeks. Coach Trent Robinson was hoping he’d return for the game against the Bulldogs next Sunday. His recovery from a knee injury is going slower than expected.

Roosters star Sam Walker has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, with his return delayed by at least another two weeks. Picture: Damian Shaw.

SPOTTED

Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes enjoying a night out at Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast on Saturday night and behaving like an absolute gentleman according to those who stopped to have a chat and get a selfie with him.

SPOTTED

Former NRL boss Todd Greenberg has arguably the world’s best job. As boss of cricket’s players’ association, he’s about to leave for England for the ICC world championship final and men’s and women’s Ashes series. It beats fighting with the RLPA over a collective bargaining agreement.

SPOTTED

The Big Sports Breakfast is broadcasting out of Adelaide for the Origin game with Laurie Daley, Michael Clarke, Gerard Middleton and Dean Bulldog Ritchie heading to the city of churches. They’ll also host a sportsman’s lunch at the Aussie Inn Hotel on Tuesday with Alfie Langer and Paul Sironen.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 at 6.30pm on Fox League with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis, David Riccio, Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk for all the State of Origin latest and discussions around the major issues from the weekend round.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Canberra Raiders dismiss Cooper Cronk criticism over Jarrod Croker’s 300th game resting