https://www.rugby-league.com/superleague/article/54344/cooper-cronk-world-club-challenge
Two-time Dally M winner, multiple NRL Grand Final and NRL Premiership winner, a World Club Challenge Winner, Rugby League World Cup winner, Golden Boot award winner – Cooper Cronk is the ultimate winner.
The humble half-back moved to Sydney Roosters at the start of 2018 after a decorated career with Melbourne Storm, his first year at Roosters, Cronk, yet again, was a winner.
If you asked him about his heroics in the Grand Final, he would most probably say that he was doing his ‘job’, but a specialist confirmed that Cronk was playing through pain, ’11 out of 10 pain’ due to a fractured shoulder blade.
Cronk could make his last ever appearance on English shores this weekend as his side, Roosters, take on Super League Grand Final winners, Wigan Warriors, it’s a game between the two Champions, NRL versus Super League, Australia versus England.
“I think the trophy up for grabs as the title of ‘World Champions’ is something that inspires a lot of players to play their best football.
“Rugby League has been around for over a hundred years, I know the history and I know that a lot of players respect the past, to be etched in that and to be a part of it, that’s something pretty special.
“I’ve been on both sides of the scoreboard, and I know which side I’d prefer to be on.
“It’s a game that players in Australia and players over here in England really revere and I believe it should be staying here for a long time,” said Cronk.
After his shoulder injury, rumours circulated that Cronk could retire - rumours he quickly quashed - Cronk will play for Roosters in 2019, but for Super League fans, it could be the last time they get to see the Australian star.
“I don’t know what 2020 looks like to me personally, but most likely, this will probably be my last game on English soil but that’s got no part to play for anyone’s motivation on Sunday night, there’s a few other things that’s a lot more important.
“I don’t think people in England are looking forward to seeing me for the last time, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a really good relationship with English crowd, and the players that I’ve met both on club duties and national duties.
“Some of the best memories of my Rugby League life have been built here on English shores, both in the stadium and in life with the boys,” admitted Cronk.
Cronk spoke about his ‘fond memories’ of the English fans, he recollected playing at Wembley, Old Trafford and Anfield, as well as what he called 'boutique' stadiums like Headingley and St Helens.
“When you make an error on the field the crowd let you know about it and chant your name telling you ‘you’re no good’, but then also hearing the English national anthem is pretty intimidating.
“That passion and build-up of atmosphere is one of the things I remember best about playing in England.
“The intensity of the crowd is really at you from the start, they’re really respectful, I think they love the history of Rugby League and I think they understand where Australia has played their part.
“The fans love the Australian players to start with, but they understand that they’re the enemy, you might cop an earful when you drop the ball and make an error but also after the game, they’ll be the ones that will shake your hand and say, ‘well done’.”
