Sydney Roosters superstar Cooper Cronk wants to “roll up the sleeves” and play seven NRL games before finishing his illustrious career with victory on grand final day.
Cronk became the first player in 45 years to win consecutive premierships at different clubs last season and now wants to be on the first team to win back-to-back premierships in the NRL era.
The 35-year-old said he’s pleased with how the second-placed Roosters are tracking, following a hard-fought 22-18 win against top-three rivals Canberra on Sunday.
“Semis must be around the corner because the intensity has jacked up a little bit, but they’re the games you want to be a part of, they test you in every way,” Cronk said.
“It was a real opportunity for both teams to roll up the sleeves and be physical and do all the hard stuff that normally wins you big contests.”
The Roosters are one spot ahead of where they were after round 21 last year and have a better points percentage. But Cronk wouldn’t be drawn on whether the premiers are further along than 12 months ago.
“That’s a hard question to answer, if you’re an avid Roosters fan you’d probably say yes, if you’re an opposition team you’d probably say no,” Cronk said.
“We’re in a competition where you get judged on wins and losses on the table but we’re a footy club that judges ourselves on the way we play and the Roosters style and if you look at that I think we’re travelling pretty well.”
If all goes to plan, Cronk will play the remaining four games of the regular season and three finals, culminating in his third straight decider and a phenomenal ninth overall.
Cronk played in seven grand finals with Melbourne before joining the Roosters last season, but the future Immortal has never won back-to-back premierships at the same club.
“We’re about to find out (if we can go back-to-back) but I’m the wrong person to ask. I’ve tried it a number of times and I don’t have the answer,” Cronk said.
Nick Parmenter
Roar Rookie
I could be wrong but I think they are expecting Friend back for finals, which would obviously be a huge boost. Verrills has stepped up admirably in recent weeks, though, freeing up Radley to find some of last season's form.
Clanger McClunk
Guest
As much as I don't want to see it, Easts, in my opinion will win the GF. Melbourne is building nicely and with my team well and truly shot I hope Melbourne take Easts down. Both teams have top notch coaches but Easts have the more star individuals, big match players who win big games.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Three in a row, I didn't realise Cooper was coming over to the Sharks for the last few rounds ;) If anyone can do it he can, if anyone can go back to back it's this Roosters or Storm teams. The Storm may have missed their window, but then again they may not, it's the Storm after all. Should be another great finals series, I'm not putting any money on who will be in the big dance. There are an obvious 2 favourites, but it only takes one upset to change that.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Come on Joe, have faith. The Storm are clicking into 2nd gear now (the defense against the Bunnies was amazing. To concede 9 penalties and still barely look under pressure at all was incredible) and when they are at full strength (less poor Welshy) I think they will be the team to beat!
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
Looks like another storm v Roosters gf. Although the Bunnies did beat the Roosters earlier in the year.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Assuming they stay healthy regarding injury to key players, they look stronger and more experienced than last year to me, and they have Cronk with two arms this time. Just one query for mine is that they may be missing Jake Friend which could be significant at finals time ? The team to beat for sure.
Rob
Guest
I still get the feeling the Roosters have Melbourne's measure. If they can get past sides like Manly, Souths and Canberra and meet Melbourne in the final again I think we'll be seeing them go back to back.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Really hurts to say this but I think he'll get it.
TAZZ
Roar Rookie
If anyone deserves it he does. But I think Craig Bellamy and the Storm might have something to say about that.