Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson will in the next few days turn his mind to an NRL three-peat as the Tri-Colour contemplate life without Cooper Cronk.
Cronk sealed his reputation as one of the modern greats of the game after he led the Roosters to a historic NRL premiership defence against Canberra at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, as they became the first back-to-back premiers since 1993.
Cronk will now be discussed as a future Immortal after he secured his sixth grand final win in what was his ninth season decider.
He now sits equal third – only behind Norm Provan and Brian ‘Poppa’ Clay (10) – for most grand final appearances.
And after winning in his last year with Melbourne in 2017, he became the first player since a host of Parramatta greats in 1983 to secure three straight grand final victories.
Robinson praised Cronk as having changed the fortunes of the club after winning two titles in his two seasons at Bondi Junction.
“I think he is the greatest thinker ever to play rugby league,” Robinson said.
“To walk on the field and do what he has done in our game. The guy is skilful, but my left-to-right (pass) is better than Cooper’s.
“The man is a skilful player but he’s not exceptional. But he’s made every team better that he’s played for.
“I have to give a big rap to Melbourne Storm. We’re huge rivals with that club but I know we got to run off some of the fibres they’ve put into him.
“What he’s done has changed the fortunes of this club. He’s one of the greatest gentleman I’ve met in the game as well.”
The Roosters have already been installed as $4 favourites for the 2020 title despite the impending departure of the Queensland and Australian great.
It remains to be seen who will wear the Roosters No.7 next year – Cronulla recruit Kyle Flanagan will be the favourite but he will be forced to battle it out with youngster Lachlan Lam in the pre-season.
The club has also signed highly-rated youngster Sam Walker – considered a future star of the game – however he won’t be eligible to play first-grade until the middle of next year.
Robinson said that after a few days of celebrations with the side, he will immediately begin making plans for next year.
“You don’t have to work to make it different – life is different,” Robinson said.
“One year to the next is different. You allow that to be the case, you don’t search for the same.
“I’m not going to have to make it different, it just will be. Plan it and let it happen. It’s what I’ll do.
“I’ll take a couple of days, you naturally move onto next.”
