Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater yet to decide on NRL futures

HE played a starring role in Melbourne’s second grand final win in six years and now Cooper Cronk says a decision on his NRL future is imminent.

Cooper Cronk of the Storm.

COOPER Cronk and Billy Slater will take time to celebrate Melbourne’s grand final victory before making decisions on their playing futures.

The duo played starring roles as the Storm secured a second premiership in six years, but refused to speculate on their futures after the match.

Cooper Cronk will decide on his future in coming days. Picture: Adam Head

Cronk in April confirmed his departure from the Storm, deciding to move to Sydney to be with his fiancé, Fox Sports presenter Tara Rushton.

However, Cronk is yet to confirm whether he will play on at a NSW club next year, with most pundits tipping he will retire.

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“I will celebrate this and wake up with a hangover for a couple of days and have a think about it,” Cronk said.

Tara Rushton. fiance of Cooper Cronk applauds the Storm after winning the 2017 NRL Grand Final Picture: Brett Costello

“It is hard to give up moments like this. You work extremely hard for it. The satisfaction, there are no words to describe it. It is my last time in a purple jersey ... I have some thinking to do.”

Slater won the Clive Churchill medal as man of the match in the grand final and is tipped to play on in 2018, although he remained tight lipped when interviewed after the victory.

“I really don’t know,” Slater said. “My body is feeling good, I know it is physical. I love playing this game. I will make a decision soon. I am feeling good but I will just enjoy this.”

Cooper Cronk during the NRL grand final.

Cronk paid tribute to the Storm for shaping him as a player and person.

“There are no fairytales, it is just working really hard and hopefully results go your way,” he said.

“This is one hell of a football team to come back after the disappointment of last year and continually do the hard work and continually do the things that make you a good footy team.

“I don’t know who I would be if it wasn’t for Melbourne Storm. I have nothing but gratitude and a lot of thanks for everyone who has played a part.”