Cooper Cronk admits his contract situation may be impacting his form
COOPER Cronk has admitted that his contract negotiations may be stifling his current form and admits his playing future weighs heavily on his mind.
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PROGRESS is being made in what looms as the biggest contract in Cooper Cronk’s career but the Melbourne Storm star concedes the lack of finality is playing on his mind.
Cronk, 32, is out of contract at the end of this season and speculation abounds he is being heavily courted by Sydney clubs with a massive payday available should he leave Melbourne.
And the 2013 Dally M medallist said he was “not exactly stoked” with how he’s been playing through the opening four rounds as negotiations continue to roll on.
“It’s a process that will continue to evolve. We’re in discussions with the club. There is some progress there,” Cronk said.
“I’d like to think I can (put contract thoughts to one side) but if I’m being completely honest I’m not exactly stoked with the level of my performance over the last four weeks so there probably is a little bit there, a little bit of weight.
“It’s a big decision ahead of me. But I am professional enough to know that should be in one box, and this should be in that box.
“The plus side is whatever decision I make it’s super positive.”
It’s not just the terms of the contract which are still being thrashed out, with a decision yet to be made on whether he’ll even stay in Melbourne.
“I think there is umming and ahhing in all facets of the contract,” he said.
“We’ll get there, it will work out.”
Cronk was at the head of an ugly Storm attack in last Monday night’s loss to Cronulla which included several stalled plays, missed passes and just one try in 80 minutes.
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With yet another backline change looming this week as coach Craig Bellamy decides on a replacement for suspended winger Marika Koroibete, the attacking flow could again be affected.
But Cronk said simplifying things would be the major way they address things for Saturday’s clash with the winless Newcastle Knights.
“If I’ve got anything to do with it our attack will be fine. You can’t play perfect football every week, we know that. We didn’t play to our standards last week and that falls a little bit on myself and a few other players,” he said.
“Hopefully I can take a bit more ownership of that, direct us around the park a little bit better and play more direct, down the field.
The Knights have been something of a bogey team of late for Melbourne, winning three of the past four clashes between the teams.
The visitors are however yet to get a win under new coach Nathan Brown, and face Storm off a five-day break, which they spent in Melbourne after losing to the Warriors in Auckland last Monday.
Melbourne too are coming off just five days of rest, which Cronk said wasn’t ideal, but also wouldn’t be an excuse today
“There is massive discussion around the five day breaks. Is it unfair ? Yes it is,” he said
“But no excuses. Let’s get it done, we know what’s in front of us, a five day break, roll the sleeves up and get to work.”
Originally published as Cooper Cronk admits his contract situation may be impacting his form
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