Roosters supremo Nick Politis says grand final has justified decision to sign Cooper Cronk
ROOSTERS supremo Nick Politis has hit back at critics over Cooper Cronk’s signing, saying the Bondi club’s grand-final appearance has vindicated the halfback’s $1.8 million purchase.
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ROOSTERS supremo Nick Politis has hit back at critics over Cooper Cronk’s signing, saying the Bondi club’s grand-final appearance has vindicated the former Maroons halfback’s $1.8 million purchase.
Cronk hopes to overcome an injured shoulder to play in Sunday night’s grand final against former club Melbourne – almost a year to the day since the Roosters were roasted for poaching him.
Former NSW Origin star Willie Mason led the attack, labelling Cronk’s signing “ridiculous” and warning the Roosters faced a player revolt over the departure of 2013 premiership halfback Mitchell Pearce.
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But on the eve of what shapes as Cronk’s maiden grand-final in Roosters colours, Politis lauded the leadership of the former Storm schemer, and lamented the loss of Pearce.
“Cooper has been outstanding for us,” said business tycoon Politis, one of Australia’s richest men with an estimated wealth of $773 million.
“It (Cronk’s signing) has been proven to be a success. It has turned out to be a good buy.
“He is a great person and has been calm and collected for everybody at the club.
“He has a great personality. He has fitted in well, he gets on with all the players.
“We brought him here to help us win a premiership. I have never seen anybody like Cooper Cronk in our game.”
The 76-year-old Politis can see some irony in Cronk’s desperate battle to overcome rotator-cuff damage to face the Storm club he controversially quit last October.
While Cronk’s arrival prompted the departure of Pearce to Newcastle, Politis never wanted to lose the 238-game playmaker, who piloted the Roosters to their most recent title five years ago.
If Cronk was to lose the injury battle tomorrow, Pearce would have been a handy contingency plan to partner Luke Keary.
“`Pearcey’ would have come in handy for us in the grand final ... now we haven’t got a back-up halfback,” Politis said.
“It was the coach’s idea to sign Cooper. ‘Robbo’ (coach Trent Robinson) thought he could bring something to our club and he has.
“This is not a reflection on Pearcey. We wanted him to stay on and I really wish he stayed on.
“Our wish for Pearcey to stay on for two years and maybe learn something from Cooper.
“The plan was for Cooper to finish up after his two-year deal and then Pearcey could have stayed on and played out his whole career for us.
“The idea was to have three playmakers and the two best would play.
“That’s what the coach said to them and Cronk was prepared to take on the challenge.
“In the end, it’s turned out well for everyone I guess. Pearcey has had a good year at Newcastle, but it’s a shame if Cooper misses the grand final.”
While Cronk seems increasingly confident of playing in the decider, Politis is not holding his breath.
“He is an outside chance,” he said. “Cooper is putting in four or five hours a day with the physiotherapy people.
“Cooper is the sort of guy who won’t play unless he can contribute.
“It was fantastic what he did last week against Souths but he can’t play again with one arm.
“You can’t take the risk of playing like that in a grand final.”
Originally published as Roosters supremo Nick Politis says grand final has justified decision to sign Cooper Cronk