Cronk's not coming.
PANTHERS NOT ON PROWL FOR CRONK
by Christian Nicolussi
PENRITH supremo Phil Gould has quickly shut down talk of Cooper Cronk signing with Penrith next year, declaring: “He’s never been discussed, he’s never been considered, and we are not in the market for any players.’’
Despite the salary cap pressure, Cronk’s possible move to the foot of the mountains would have had tremendous appeal. The club is in the strongest off-field position it’s ever been, the playing roster is deep and Cronk would have had the chance to mentor young halfback Nathan Cleary.
But Gould could not have been more blunt about the Panthers becoming the latest Sydney club to not entertain chasing the Melbourne superstar No. 7.
His comments came on the same day senior players backed 19-year-old Cleary to cope with the physical and mental burden of leading the club through the Origin period.
Cleary winced in pain when his heavily-strapped right elbow copped a knock at training on Tuesday, but he will take his place against Newcastle on Sunday.
Talk of Cronk heading to Penrith gained momentum the past week, but Gould told The Daily Telegraph via text: “We are very comfortable with our playing roster and our development programs.
“We are very comfortable with our current salary cap position. I have no idea where these rumours start.’’
The Panthers have most of their players locked up to long-term deals and have little money to throw at any new players moving forward, let alone a million-dollar man like Cronk.
The question remains who coach Anthony Griffin will make the long-term halves partner for Cleary? The Matt Moylan debate is likely to gain momentum should the Panthers fullback and skipper retain the Blues. five-eighth position.
Te Maire Martin was named in the No. 21 jersey for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, while back-rower Bryce Cartwright has done a handy job again this season after moving into the halves late last year.
“That’s entirely up to coach (who partners Cleary),’’ Gould said.
“Our aim is to be patient and keep developing the young players in our club. We have a long way to go with this group, but we have great confidence in their potential.’’
Trent Merrin and James Tamou, two NSW hopefuls, said Cleary had continued to impress in his second season in the top flight.
“Everything he’s been through at that age, it’s unreal,’’ Tamou said of Cleary.
“The way he talks and presents himself, he’s definitely mature enough (to cope).’’
Merrin added: “He’s a natural leader, and he’ll only get better as the years go on. When you get players like (Moylan) out of the team, it only makes players like himself stand up and take on more of a leadership role. He’ll thrive on those things. He’s continually learning, and it will only do him good.’’
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e/news-story/5339700814a5163df1ceae687fdfa07a
)
