Cooper Cronk has dismissed speculation he is considering a switch to rugby union in 2018.
The Kangaroos halfback will leave NRL club Melbourne at season’s end to join his Sydney-based fiance, TV presenter Tara Rushton, but is yet to decide if he will continue playing.
But Cronk laughed off talk that he may be tempted to play for Super Rugby outfit NSW Waratahs next year.
“That won’t be happening,” he said.
“Everyone has their right to an opinion but I haven’t had any conversation with rugby union and I have no intention.
“My intention is to make a decision on if I play again next year not where I am going to play.”
Speculation of a switch built momentum after Wallabies coach Michael Cheika claimed Cronk would be a rugby success while code-hopper Karmichael Hunt also backed the Melbourne No.7’s move on Friday.
But Cronk was left scratching his head over the rugby talk.
“Media have their right to fill some pages but they don’t know the conversations I have had,” he said.
“I did play a bit of rugby at school and thoroughly enjoyed it and I watch rugby and played with some of the current Wallabies players.
“But I love rugby league. It has given me everything I have in my life.
“I am an avid supporter of the game.”
Cronk, 33, said he was no closer to deciding on whether he would lace up the boots in 2018.
And he was in no rush despite options running out in the player market after Kieran Foran became the latest star to decide his future, signing with Canterbury for three years.
“I think I am physically and mentally able to play on,” Cronk said.
“But I am not waiting for a light bulb moment and wake up and know the answer.
“I will have an answer for you at some stage.
“I won’t be dictated by the market.
“I need to make a smart decision and they don’t happen overnight.”
Paul
Guest
Again. Cheika never said he wanted him. It's a media beat up. He responded to a question someone asked about his opinion on Cronk at the Tahs. That's all. He even said the ARU aren't getting involveded and Tah recruitment is up to the Tahs.
Paul
Guest
Neither the Tahs or Cheika ever said they wanted him. It was a fantasy cooked.up by the media.
Mat
Guest
Another fake news story.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
I wish Cheika would get over his obsession with league players, they make ok outside backs and centres but are far from the be all and end all. In fact I can't think of a single dual code international the Wallabies have had who didn't have trouble adapting to the game and/or cause off field dramas. Spend the money on finding talented youngsters and bringing them over to rugby, the leaguies are over rated.
winston
Guest
Got to get them about 15 year younger than cronk
Mike
Guest
On the flip side....all that time away from the wife.... Wohoo!
puff
Guest
Instead of the jouno’s and Cheika looking for miracles that Cooper Cronk could never supply at this late stage of his career. The Tah’s and Cheika must return to realities. At 33 the gent is never going to make the adjustment required to play top level rugby at half back, this is such a pivotal position, it’s not possible. Karmichael Hunts is playing reasonable rugby but in a team that almost looks inept and shambolic at times. He has attributes and limited skills like Folau therefore he is appropriately positioned in a 15 jersey. The future of the sport is attracting young talented players into the inner sanctum and providing the training and guidance to be a Wallaby. Not yesterdays heroes.
DanFan
Guest
How many days has this non-story managed to go around. What a load of rubbish.
Rugnut
Guest
It wails be great to have a great player and leader who let's his play speak for itself rather than many (majority) others from all codes who's words are NOT supported by their actions on/off the field. We need to find out why we lose these guys from rugby. Once we have an answer have the solution. Remember Cronk left for league when the Wallabies were on top of the world.
tyrone
Guest
Why would he switch? He is moving to Sydney to be with his partner. Depending on the draw he only has 7 away trips from Sydney and can return home the next day. Switch to Union and he potentially has a couple f trips to NZ, a couple of weeks in SA/ARG and a trip to Japan. The travel involved in Rugby negates his move to Sydney and was never a chance of a switch
Jock Cornet
Guest
Phipps or Cronk ? Tough decision that one. Cronk would be a superstar.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I just can't wait until he sets the record straight about 'Cooper Cronk' being a fake name
Jacko
Guest
Agree Craigo its just a big load of rubbish made up by journo's and that seems to be the way news is these days.
Craigo
Guest
You mean the Daily Telegraph was WRONG and made the whole story up!!! who would've ever thought!!