Cooper Cronk retires an NRL legend with back-to-back premierships
Cooper Cronk knows how to work the media. So it was no surprise that his final NRL game should be so packed with drama and yet ultimately victorious.
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Only Cooper Cronk could manufacture a fairytale finish like this.
In his final game after 15 stellar seasons, Cronk walks away an NRL champion and one of the finest players the game as ever seen after steering the Sydney Roosters to back-to-back titles with victory over a brave Canberra side.
And he did it the hard way after being uncharacteristically sent to the sin bin 10 minutes into the second half for a tackling Canberra big man Josh Papalii without the ball.
Fortunately, his Roosters played tough while he was on the sideline before finding another gear in the closing minutes and join the Brisbane Broncos in the record books as the last team to claim consecutive premierships.
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“I’m not here to criticise the referees, but I didn’t think it was a sin bin offence,” he said. “But I tell you what, it took heart and soul for this football club to defend for that time and then counter that by scoring points when we got back. I tell you what, this club cops a lot of criticism, but it has one big heart, a hell of a soul and a lot of good people involved in it.”
It wasn’t one of Cronk’s better performances but when the crucial cover tackle or pass had to be made, he delivered.
It’s why his illustrious wrap sheet makes for such pretty reading.
Four grand final wins, two Dally M medals, seven Origin series wins and two World Cup triumphs.
Cronk also becomes the first player since halfback Johnny Mayes to win three straight premierships at two different clubs.
Mayes won at Manly in 1973 before claiming consecutive titles with the Roosters in 1974 and 1975.
It was also Cronk’s ninth grand final appearance — a feat only five other players have achieved since 1954.
“All I can say is that I’m the result of some very good individuals, some very good clubs,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some guys like yourself that changed the way rugby league was played and I just jumped on the back of that and had some fun along the way. It’s been one hell of a journey, one hell of a ride and I’m glad it’s over.”
There is no denying the classy No.7 possesses one of the best trophy cabinets in league history.
But Cronk won’t solely be remembered for his on-field success.
It’s his work ethic, desire and determination that defines him.
Cronk has come a long way from the baby-faced rookie who made his debut off the bench in round nine of the 2004 season.
That day he came on and played five-eighth, hooker and lock as the Storm fell 36-26 to Cronulla.
But it didn’t take a hard-working Cronk long to find his feet at first grade level.
Thanks to the expert guidance of former Newcastle and Cronulla five-eighth Matthew Johns, the boy from Brisbane moulded into one of the game’s premier halfbacks.
Johns worked tirelessly with Cronk on the game’s finer details.
Eyes up, ball in two hands and a three on two overlap will always win out.
Cronk then went home and devoted endless hours to mastering these skills to become the best version of himself.
This commitment to his craft helped him star on the game’s biggest stages from grand finals, Origin and Test football.
Cronk has also left an indelible mark on the Roosters in his two seasons at the club.
In his quest for perfection, he has made every player at the Tricolours more polished and professional.
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Much like Sonny Bill Williams’ influence at the Roosters, Cronk went out of his way to encourage the importance of extra effort at training.
Sure, that added step on the white line or double gym session can be annoying in the moment when your body is buggered but with pain comes rewards.
It’s a mantra that Cronk has preached throughout his career to ignore the naysayers and succeed.
At ANZ Stadium on Sunday night, the little halfback with a big heart showcased the final polished product in its full glory.
Cronk leaves the game with the trophy and as the ultimate role model — living proof that with hard work and dedication you can become a rugby league legend.
Originally published as Cooper Cronk retires an NRL legend with back-to-back premierships