Cronk refuses to rule himself out of GF

Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk continues to insist he is a chance to line up in Sunday’s NRL grand final.

Cronk is considered long odds to face his former side Melbourne in the premiership decider because of a shoulder injury, but the former Queensland and Australian No.7 will not rule himself out.

He took time out from his rehab program to provide a brief update on Thursday.

“I got a bit of improvement today and it (the shoulder) definitely needs some,” he said.

“I’m still trying to throw a Hail Mary, hopefully it lands and we’ll see how we go on Sunday.

“Most people in this room know that I’m pretty diligent, pretty professional with what I do, but I’ve gone up 1000 knots on that this week.”

The 34-year-old said he is more confident of playing than when he first suffered the injury during Saturday’s preliminary final win over South Sydney.

However, it would still be a big ask to line-up against former teammates at the Melbourne Storm although he has been able to build some stability, movement and range with the joint.

“It’s an improvement, but it’s not enough to tackle Jesse Bromwich or Dale Finucane so I’ve got a fair bit of work to do,” he said.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said he had never been involved with a more diligent player than his former halfback, and is preparing for him to play at ANZ Stadium.

“I know he would’ve been doing everything, plus, plus, plus, to be ready for Sunday,” he said.

“He’s a tough little Rooster, excuse the pun, I’ve seen him play with a lot of injuries with us.

“If anyone’s going to do it, it’s going to be Coops.”

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