The thinking people I know in this game are all scratching their heads trying to work out what the hell the Roosters are doing with champion half Cooper Cronk.
I tell them “I have no idea, it makes no sense”.
Having “sense” is something that the Roosters legendary President Nick Politis and his head coach Trent Robinson are noted for, which is why this potential high-profile recruit is so fascinating.
Cooper Cronk is rugby league’s ‘Mr Perfect’. He could play footy in a dinner suit and he never creates any negative headlines off the field. He just masterminded the Melbourne Storm to win the grand final, but despite his glowing reputation, his addition to the Roosters would have no positive impact of their market value to win the 2018 NRL competition, in fact it would act as a negative in some circles.
Here’s why.
The Roosters lost their head of list management Peter O’Sullivan twelve months ago, and he knows Cronk better than most as he shared a Unit with him when he was the Storm Recruitment Manager back in the early days when he would come off the bench and normally play a pivot role.
Sully was a big fan even then and knew his roommate would make it to the top, but it doubtful if he still had his job at Moore Park today that he would break up the Roosters’ current spine.
It is also likely that he would council his President that he already has the best spine in the NRL, particularly as it now boasts NSW’s best player in James Tedesco who will compliment incumbent Blues half Mitch Pearce – as well as the outstanding Luke Keary and workhorse Jake Friend.
Any coach would salivate over that spine – including Kangaroo coach Mal Meninga.
The Luke Keary and Mitchell Pearce combination assisted in a combined 31 tries, and an incredible 43 line break assists. To put those stunning figures into perspective, the Storm’s Cam Munster and Cronk made a combined 40 line break assists and 29 try assists.
As well as being the Premiers, Munster and Cronk are also the incumbent Maroons halves, but as good as they are, their figures on two crucial stats for halves are inferior to the Roosters six and seven.
Surely media reports that Pearce is to blame for the Roosters losing in the finals this year are folly. Pearce may not be everyone’s cuppa tea, or someone who you would invite home for dinner with your sister (especially if she had a poodle), but there can be no denying that he gave the Roosters 110 per cent this year and his figures support his contribution.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Luke Keary also had a stellar season and many considered him along with Josh Addo-Carr as the recruitment of the year. The other member of the Roosters spine is Jake Friend who played 22 matches and was the only player in the NRL to average over fifty tackles every week.
When you add Friend, Pearce and Keary to the explosive newbie Tedesco, you can understand why the bookmakers have re-acted and installed the Roosters as competition favourites.
It is true that Cooper Cronk could teach anyone, even Kim Jong-un, about true leadership, but to recruit him just for that purpose is an insult to Robinson and his assistant coaches who are all brilliant and highly sought-after mentors.
The Roosters exited the finals early this season, and it was not because of a poor showing by their halves or hooker, but more because of the blood rushes from the brilliant but inexperienced Latrell Mitchell and the errant Blake Ferguson.
Also some of the game-day selections raised a few eyebrows with winger Daniel Tupou on the bench and two back rowers playing in the centre position over Joseph Manu. Veteran fullback Michael Gordon was also preferred over the flying Connor Watson.
This was a very defensive mindset and made it difficult for the Roosters to post a winning score.
Perhaps the biggest reason was that the Roosters big men Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa lost the battle in the middle, which is never easy for halves to play off no matter how good they are.
You get the feeling if Nick Politis made a call to the man that recruited his 2013 grand final winning team – Peter O’Sullivan – he would suggest that the Cronk money may be better invested into some big forwards.
Sam
Guest
One of the reason the Storm halves are behind the Roosters statistically is because Melbourne have a very dominant hooker that runs the show as well from the middle.. I think his name is Smith.. and Munster's not a natural ball player.
Andrew Costi
Roar Rookie
Scott, you make an excellent argument in how the roosters wouldn't improve. The point in regards to coaching in last years finals series was spot on. However, where I disagree with you is that Cronk will provide the kicking game that Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary lack. He will can form a formidable partnership with one of the best fullbacks in the game James Tedesco. Further, he will be able to settle the nerves of those inexperienced players. I think if Pearce does leave like the rumours are saying then he will defintly an upgrade.
Rod
Guest
But Gordon can stop the tries that Fergi can’t . I’d take Gordon over Ferguson every day of the week
Greg Ambrose
Guest
I suspect Smith has enhanced so many reputations of team mates as well as coaches it seems. Huge numbers of players have left the Storm over the years for other clubs and while many have done well not many have changed the fortunes of the new club. One massive plus for the club who signs Cronk is that if they get to the big games including the GF then they'll have a player who can execute in key moments. That's a big upgrade on Pearce IMO at the Roosters.
db
Guest
I don't disagree with your point about the need to bolster the forward pack but who is available for 2018? Even 2019 is early in terms of available high quality forwards. Do you have any players in mind who would be available in 2108/19?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
bear The Roosters obviously have a higher opinion of their 2 starting props than their figures show.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ugly We are on the same page mate.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Great point Scott. To bring Cronk in what would they do with Pearce?? He can't go to Hooker, they already have a great Hooker so he would have to be released. Do you release Pearce when you have been building your future around him?? Lets face it, if he can get smashed and filmed with a dog and still keep his spot you know they really want to keep him. He is a good footy player, there is no doubt about that and the success of the Roosters is built on that. Having Keary in the team has really improved them as well. It's a tough call, especially as it's not a forgone conclusion that Cronk will bring you a Premiership. He will increase your chances greatly, but one man can't win footy games by himself. I don't think Joey can help with his kicking game. Lets face it he has been coaching him for a while now with no improvement. He's just not capable to get it done all the time. That's not a bad thing necessarily, but a bit limiting when you play in the halves. The talk now seems to be that the Eels, Sharks and Roosters have space in their caps to bring on Cronk right now without shedding players. Other teams would need to make space in their cap. They all have halves combinations though that would need to be broken up to bring him in. Will be interested to see where he ends up.
bearfax
Guest
If the Roosters let Pearce go for Cronk, I dont think it will add one iota their chances, in fact may diminish their effectiveness. Certainly Tedesco is a big plus. But Cronk looks so good because he was in a strong and consistent team and had Cam Smith playing the master puppeteer, and giving Cronk space to perform. In a team like the Roosters he wont be anywhere near as effective. Dumb move in my opinion if they let Pearce go for Cronk.
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
Roosters need a FORWARD. Hargraves hasn't played well in 2 years Napa is over-rated Friend is just a tackling machine Cordner is a good player; but isn't a aggressive. Taukeiahi: easily there best forward Liu: too small Aubusson: handy player Not a pack that scares any team and I would rate it one of the worst going into 2018; Robo needs to find 2-3 new players to put into that pack; They need a LUKE O'DONNELL type to come in; (he was one of the reasons they won the comp); they haven't had a forward like him since and haven't been the same since. Also SKD was a huge loss; did more for the team than most players. They need to find a Moa or something similar; a hard forward that isnt into his hair or goes out partying!! From what i can see; they have no go forward for next year and shouldnt be chasing Cronk but should be chasing a tough forward, someone like Adrian Morley!
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Greg I am not permitted to bet, but if I were I would prefer to be on the Roosters with a couple of big new go-forwards than add Cronk to Pearce's position. It is not the best use of the cap IMO.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
matth The Roosters firmed up big time when Teddy moved as they should; he is close to the best player in NSW.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Granter I did not say the forwards are "much chop", I said that JWH an d Napa are both highly paid and have been disappointing.
scoop
Guest
Disagree strongly Pearce is the main reason for Roosters success in recent seasons.
Rugby Realist
Guest
I cant reply to your last comment. Scott, i'm not sure you have actually read the conversation or my points at all. Anyhow, nevermind.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
Aren't you saying the market has got it wrong Scott because they haven't got the forwards to win the comp? It sounds a bit like you're giving them little chance but the so called market thinks they will win it. How often do seasons pan out along the lines of heated pre season debates anyway? Favorites hardly ever seem to win it and it will be interesting to see how Cronk fares at another club. Having another read of your article is a little bizarre really because someone has got no idea on this issue, either you and other experts who think paying a million dollars for Cronk is going to have no impact on the Roosters chance of winning it next year and may be detrimental or the Roosters who obviously think the million is likely to give them a much better chance of winning the title. One thing is certain, if they keep all their halves and hooker then they would be the best team in the comp at covering injuries and rep duties in the halves. That alone gives them a much better chance with Cronk on board.
Greg Ambrose
Guest
Aren't you saying the market has got it wrong Scott because they haven't got the forwards to win the comp? It sounds a bit like you're giving them little chance but the so called market thinks they will win it. How often do seasons pan out along the lines of heated pre season debates anyway? Favorites hardly ever seem to win it and it will be interesting to see how Cronk fares at another club.
John Corey
Guest
Cronk does not play behind a beaten pack. I remember at the SFS a few yrs back we smashed Melbourne's forward and won the game 20 something to nil. It was the night the Storms hooker played the ball facing the wrong direction. Cronk is like any other halfback. If his forwards get beaten, which is very rare, then he has no space to work in.
Don
Roar Rookie
Coote, Morgan, Thurston, Granville? Pretty good - I'd take them over the Roosters 4. All but Coote are ahead of their chook opposites. And Slater, Munster, Croft & Smith will be unbelievably good even without Cronk.
matth
Guest
Would that $5.00 already be factoring in some expectation that Cronk will sign?