Why Cooper Cronk wore bronze number on his back in World Cup final against England

WHILE his Kangaroos teammates had their usual golden numbers on their backs for the World Cup final against England, Cooper Cronk’s was bronze. Coach Mal Meninga revealed the reason why.

The number on Cronk's 7 jersey was bronze instead of the usual gold.

WHILE his Kangaroos teammates had the usual golden numbers on their backs for the World Cup final against England, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Cooper Cronk’s was bronze.

After Cronk admitted this week that he was unsure he would continue playing for Australia in 2018, there was speculation the different number had something to do with the star halfback’s potential retirement.

But Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga cleared up the confusion at halftime, revealing the No.7 was bronze to mark Cronk surpassing Souths Immortal Clive Churchill in third on Australia’s list of all-time appearances.

Official from Mal Meninga: Cronk's number is Bronze (not gold) because tonight he eclipsed Clive Churchill going to 38 Tests, the 3rd most for any Australian #RLWC2017

— Ben Wallace (@benno_wallace) December 2, 2017

Cronk is now level with Johnathan Thurston’s 38 internationals, with Cameron Smith (55) and Darren Lockyer (59) leading the way.

Cronk, 33, last month inked a two-year deal with the Roosters, but says the decision to extend his NRL career is no guarantee he will also play for Queensland and Australia next season.

The number on Cronk's 7 jersey was bronze instead of the usual gold.

“There’s been too many big decisions made by me in recent times so I’m not sure what rep football holds for me,” Cronk said this week.

“I still enjoy playing but I haven’t thought about whether I play for Queensland and Australia (in 2018).

Cooper Cronk sings the national anthem before his 38th international.

“The older you get, the more reflective you get, but whether this is my last game for Australia or not, I’ll cherish every moment.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I know I’ll have to think about it (playing Origin and Test football next year) at some stage.

“I’m comfortable with where I’m at. Now I’ve decided to play on, I’m not sure what the future holds, but I still enjoy rep football.”

Originally published as Why Cooper Cronk wore bronze number on his back in World Cup final against England