Cooper Cronk linked to Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs

WHAT’S THE BUZZ I: IT could be off-field ambitions, rather than football goals, that see Cooper Cronk in Sydney’s eastern or southern suburbs in 2018.

Cronk will make his decision in the next few weeks. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

A DESIRE to build an off-field portfolio by learning from Sydney’s most high-profile and successful businessmen is why the Roosters and South Sydney lead the race to secure Cooper Cronk’s signature, should he make the call to play on in the NRL next year.

Cronk is leaning towards playing on in 2018 with the champion halfback’s meticulous preparation, huge work ethic and a desire to continue to improve and evolve both on and off the field swaying his decision.

Decision-day for Cronk is looming as the former Storm star is due to meet his agent George Mimis when he returns from the Kangaroos World Cup camp in Fiji over the next fortnight.

As it stands, Cronk is interested in continuing his playing career.

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Cronk will make his decision in the next few weeks. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

And it’s the Roosters with their high-powered board of directors, including Nick Politis, Mark Bouris and Mark Fennessy who have the ammunition to seal the deal.

Ironically, Cronk, who recently purchased a $3.5 million home in Mosman with fiancee Tara Rushton, will also live just a few doors down from former Roosters star and director Luke Ricketson.

While continuing to work as a commentator for Fox Sports next year, the 33-year-old is eager to increase his business portfolio in Sydney.

At Souths, the power to help cultivate and further develop Cronk’s corporate appeal is obvious while ever heavyweights Russell Crowe and James Packer remain involved with the club.

Neither club — or indeed the man himself — will be caught declaring their interest in Cronk publicly. In fact, they would sooner deny it or say nothing — as any play will be made with the highest level of confidentiality.

Cronk has the luxury of choosing his next destination. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Cronk is widely-regarded as a deep thinker who analyses the game at an acute level.

It’s why Cronk will only play on in 2018 if he believes his new coach can challenge him mentally while continuing to aid his development as a player.

Many believe Roosters coach Trent Robinson fits that bill, while new Souths coach Anthony Siebold has a relationship with Cronk having worked at the Storm.

A former schoolteacher, Siebold is also a student of the game and a coach that Cronk relates well to.

Of course, juggling the salary cap and their roster to fit Cronk in will be the major issue for both clubs.

The Roosters would obviously need to make a call on how Mitchell Pearce, Jake Friend or Luke Keary are used next year.

However, the tricolours’ cap has wiggle-room following the departure of Kane Evans, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Aiden Guerra, Paul Carter and Connor Watson.

Michael Gordon and Blake Ferguson were also retained for 2018 on reduced salaries.

The impact on South Sydney would also be a delicate process with halves Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker contracted to the club.

However, Cronk’s arrival could see Walker shift to fullback and Greg Inglis to the centres where his comeback from knee surgery would be undeniably aided by less power running from the back.

Cap-wise, Souths have let go Bryson Goodwin, Aaron Gray, Dane Nielsen, Robbie Rochow and Hymel Hunt.

A relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur and space in their 2018 salary cap will also ensure that the Eels enter the discussion.