Cooper Cronk has promised to embrace Cameron Smith following Saturday’s NRL grand final qualifier, denying his relationship with his former Melbourne teammate remains fractured.
Cronk will share the field with Smith for the 360th and final time at the SCG, bringing to an end one of the game’s most storied relationships.
Over 14 years and 297 games together, Cronk and Smith did it all at the Storm – taking the club to seven grand finals and winning four, though two were later stripped for salary cap cheating.
They also played 21 State of Origins together during Queensland’s era of dominance as well sharing 21 Test appearances.
And since Cronk’s move to Sydney Roosters, they have come up against each other on four occasions, winning two each.
It was Cronk’s move to the Roosters which was rumoured to have affected their relationship.
When the Storm beat the Roosters by a field goal at Adelaide Oval last year, Cronk hugged all of his former Storm teammates but only extended a curt handshake to Smith.
“From my end, my relationship with everyone at the Melbourne Storm is completely fine,” Cronk said.
“I respect everyone in that football club – players, staff. Because without them I’m not in the position I am. I know where I’ve come from, I never forget what’s made me.”
And Cronk said he would hug Smith on Saturday night once it was decided who would advance to the grand final.
“There is one thing that I will always remember after this game, no matter what the result is, that the Melbourne Storm has played a significant part in me standing here today,” Cronk said.
“One with the footy career that I’ve had. Two with the opportunities that I’ll have in life going forward.
“No matter the result, I’ll shake hands with and hug every person on that football field.”
Since moving to Bondi Junction, Cronk’s impact on the Roosters has been immeasurable and they are now within striking distance of becoming the first back-to-back premiers since 1993.
Should the Roosters win through, he will become the first player since Ron Coote to play in nine grand finals.
Cronk is also aiming to become the first player to win three premierships in a row since a host of Parramatta players including Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling achieved the feat in 1983.
“The approach is you don’t think about what’s the result,” Cronk said of the secret to making grand finals.
“I think if you’re process-driven, the outcome takes care of itself.
“There’s a lot on the line, everyone wants to be involved in these games and the best teams are now fighting it out for what’s left.”