Warringah Rats’ bold bid for league superstar Cooper Cronk
THE Warringah Rats rugby president has written a letter to rugby league superstar Cooper Cronk in a bold bid to entice him to the club next season.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Warringah Rats have made a bold bid to recruit Cooper Cronk for next season if he decides to retire from the NRL.
Club president Phil Parsons has taken the initiative by penning an open letter to the Melbourne Storm superstar who is moving to Sydney to join his fiance, Fox Sports presenter Tara Rushton, with his football future uncertain.
“I would like to extend an invitation for you to join Warringah Rugby Club (The Rats) for the 2018 season,” Parsons wrote.
“We are a premier rugby club on the Northern Beaches nestled against some of the best surf beaches in the country.
“What a fantastic location to make the switch to the gentlemen’s game.
“Don’t believe everything you read about Rugby. Bill Pulver (ARU ring master) has not wrecked us, we are going well and have huge community support.
Parsons told Cronk that the club pays a won and lose fee.
“But with you joining us I would expect more wins,” Parsons said. “I was thinking we might have a “Cronk Burger” and $1 from every one sold could go to your nominated charity.”
He said the club’s mad Hillbillies supporters will love them.
“If you are interested please let me know and we can work out the detail including finding you suitable accommodation etc,” he wrote.
Her said that just recently former NRL stars “Beaver” Menzies and Sam Harris joined the Rats for a game in fifth grade.
“And (they) commented on what a great place and club to get more out of player looking to extend his career,” Parsons said.
“I hope my offer excites you as much as we would be to have you around next year.”
Cronk has a strong rugby background and was earmarked for a big future while at St Laurence’s College in Brisbane. He switched codes when he was 18, signing with Storm feeder climb Brisbane Norths.
If he makes the big switch back to rugby, Rats’ coach Darren Coleman sees him slotting nicely into a spot in the inside backs.
“He would be a kicking 10 or 12, he would be perfect,” Coleman said.
And he said 33-year-old Cronk would have no trouble finding his feet again in rugby after 14 seasons in the NRL.
“I have never met him, but I hear he is the ultimate professional,” Coleman said.
But Coleman tipped that the Rats may end up not seeing much of Cronk if he joins Warringah
“I don’t think he would play too many games for the Rats, I imagine the Waratahs would have their hooks into him pretty quickly,” Coleman said.
Young talent time! NSW’s top U18s and schoolboy rugby players
They are the best U18s rugby and league players in the state chasing spots at the Australian schools and national rugby junior titles at two trials this week. Players to watch, TEAM LISTS
Gout Gout rival, sons of NRL stars test form in major rugby trials
There was a schoolboy rival of Gout Gout and a couple of sons of NRL guns playing on day one of the under 18 schools and nationals selection trials in Sydney. Results and photo special.