Cooper Cronk questions whether Brodie Croft has what it takes to thrive as Broncos halfback

It is one of rugby league’s toughest assignments, following a long list of high profile failures. Now Brodie Croft is Brisbane’s halfback and his former mentor says it’s up to him to own the No.7 jersey.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 29: Brodie Croft of the Broncos passes the ball during the NRL Trial match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Redcliffe on February 29, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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Brodie Croft’s former mentor Cooper Cronk says the Broncos recruit is facing the biggest test of his career and urged the halfback to be his own man to break the longest title drought in Brisbane’s history.

In a worrying sign of Brisbane’s scrumbase woes, Croft will become the 19th No.7 to play for the Broncos since their last premiership win in 2006 when he makes his debut against the Cowboys in the NRL season opener next week.

The likes of Peter Wallace, Ben Hunt, Kodi Nikorima, Shaun Berrigan, Benji Marshall, Karmichael Hunt and Corey Norman have all tried and failed at halfback to bring title success to Red Hill.

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Can Croft succeed where so many others have struggled? Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Now, in the space of one turbulent off-season, Croft has gone from being Melbourne’s answer to life after Cronk to a Storm reject charged with bringing the glory days back to the Broncos.

The jury remains out on Croft. Many are asking how the Dalby product can possibly succeed at the Broncos when he was released by Melbourne, the NRL’s best club of the past decade, despite being personally tutored by Cronk.

Former Queensland halfback Cronk admired Croft’s work ethic during their time together at the Storm, but says the true test of his capabilities will be the task of turning Brisbane’s young guns into a champion team.

“The biggest test for Brodie is in the moment, in the now and how he reacts this season,” said Cronk, the 372-game halfback legend who retired after the Roosters’ premiership win last year.

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Melbourne felt Croft wasn’t the right man for them. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“You could make an argument that Brodie is the right fit for this Broncos team, but the only way he will prove that theory right or wrong is time and performance.

“Brodie is up there with the hardest working young kids I have seen in the game. That will hold him in good stead, but he needs to develop other aspects of his game.

“The Broncos have one of the most talented rosters in terms of age and ability across the competition. Brodie fits into that. But there is another aspect to halfback play that you can’t judge or put a finger on and that’s connectivity.

“You need a synergy and making everything move and work together. To put all that individuality at the Broncos together, it will take a good halfback to bring it all together and part of a halfback’s job is to take control.

“The best way for Brodie to improve is to get thrown in the deep end and see if you can swim.”

Cronk was the responsibility now falls on Croft to take the initiative. Photo: Phil Hillyard

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Croft has been among Brisbane’s best in pre-season, playing strongly in both trials against the Cowboys and the Titans, evidence he has settled in well at his new club.

During his four-season, 39-game tenure at the Storm, Croft was likened to Cronk because of their physical similarities, but the Maroons icon implored the 22-year-old to walk his own path.

“I get the similarities between me and Brodie, but he needs to just be his own person,” Cronk said.

“You have to ask Brodie if it was a burden for him, but for me, as someone who now works with young halves, they have to be their own person.

“The reason why Brodie Croft has been picked up from Melbourne is because of his identity. He has his own strengths, weaknesses and skill set that the Broncos wanted in their football team.

“Advice is only 5 per cent of it. A halfback keeps 95 per cent of his identity and that can hold him in good stead.

“From what I have seen of Brodie, he has all the skill acquisition he needs, but the test now is Friday night footy against the Cowboys in Round 1.”

Originally published as Cooper Cronk questions whether Brodie Croft has what it takes to thrive as Broncos halfback