Luke Keary is on the cusp of a second premiership after standing up in the absence of an injured Cooper Cronk to lead the Sydney Roosters to an NRL grand final.
Cronk’s status for next Sunday’s decider against former club Melbourne will be the focus for the first part of grand final week after the playmaker hurt his shoulder during the first half of Saturday’s preliminary final.
The former Kangaroos No.7 was hit by Rabbitohs counterpart Adam Reynolds when he made an unsuccessful field goal attempt and landed heavily on his shoulder.
He was worked on by club medical staff during the break and although he fronted for the second half he avoided kicking in general play and running at the defensive line.
Cronk also struggled passing the ball, limiting himself to directing traffic and impeding a Rabbitohs attack that tried to take advantage but couldn’t break through a resolute defensive line.
Instead the attack was left to Keary – who won a premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014 – to steer the side to victory.
He was involved in the Roosters’ opening try for Daniel Tupou, and then delivered the telling blow when he kicked for a flying Tupou to tap back for Paul Momirovski in the 71st minute.
Should Cronk be ruled out of the decider, coach Trent Robinson could call on utility Ryan Matterson or back-up playmaker Sean O’Sullivan to take on the Storm.
On a positive note, the Roosters will also be boosted by the return of star pairing Latrell Mitchell and Dylan Napa from suspension.
Roosters co-captain Jake Friend could also be in trouble with the match review committee after being penalised for a lifting tackle on Greg Inglis in the first half.