Cooper Cronk on Roosters player welfare and how Parramatta Eels can go one better this NRL season

NRL legend Cooper Cronk has spoken out in support of his former side, saying the Roosters look after their players better than other clubs in the wake of Angus Crichton’s extended absence to deal with his Bipolar diagnosis.  

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the recent NRL launch for Kayo and Fox League, Cronk said the Roosters would be looking after Crichton as a ‘son’, after a social media account leaked information on his mental health.

Crichton’s father Charlie then confirmed in a statement his son had been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.  

It comes after a big 2022 for the second-rower; who was very strong for NSW and Australia, suffered sickening concussions and broke up with his high-profile partner, Olympic runner Morgan Mitchell. 

Cronk was, of course, hugely supportive given the situation, and said there were certainly some clubs, like the Roosters who were brilliant at prioritising player welfare…and others who weren’t. 

NRL legend turned Fox Sports commentator Cooper Cronk, pictured with wife Tara (also a prominent sports presenter), told Daily Mail Australia that Angus Crichton would be looked after ‘like a son’ at the Roosters

Angus Crichton will spend an extended period on the sidelines to begin the season after being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder

‘You can’t control what other people say or do. If we as a society try and change that, then we’re losing the battle,’ Cronk said on criticism surrounding a social media page leaking information on Crichton’s mental health.    

‘I think the Roosters care for their players as if they’re their own sons. It’s one thing some clubs, like the Roosters, do better than others. 

‘You’ve got to remember that these young men and women come to our clubs and mums and dads trust that the club is looking after them. 

‘And I’m not sure what the circumstances around Angus (are), but I can guarantee that the Roosters will be looking after him,’ said Cronk. 

It has been a slightly disjointed pre-season for the Chooks, with a lot of outside noise surrounding how they are able to sign so many stars, injury and positional concerns and a bevvy of World Cup stars facing later starts than usual.

Cooper Cronk (right) won six grand finals across his career at the Storm and Roosters

But Cronk, who won the 2018 and 2019 premierships with the club after his storied Melbourne Storm career, says there is no doubt in his mind that they will be ready to rumble come Sunday afternoon for the Arthur Beetson Cup against the Dolphins.  

‘There’s a minimum standard that Trent Robinson and the Roosters expect from their players…but I think individually, and collectively, they all would have learnt a lot from how they finished last year and I think that plays a part in the way they go about it,’ he said. 

Of course one of the other teams on everyone’s lips this pre-season has been the Eels, and whether – after losing several key forwards – the side can go one better after falling to the Panthers in last year’s grand final. 

Cronk, who won six (though two were stripped) and lost three grand finals during his career, said the most important factor in bouncing back from the devastation wasn’t shoring up skills or combinations.

It’s ‘galvanising’ as a team, with everyone at the club moving in the same direction and without ego or selfishness. 

Parramatta skipper Clint Gutherson was ropable after the club’s grand final loss, and how he can lead and ‘galvanise’ the team will be crucial to bouncing back

Halfback Mitchell Moses’ leadership will also be crucial after the 2022 grand final disaster 

‘When you lose the grand final, it’s pretty easy to sort of point the finger and say you didn’t do this or that didn’t happen type of thing,’ he said.  

‘So I think any team that bounces back from a grand final loss needs to be united, It needs to be galvanised, it needs to be selfless, it needs to be team first mentality. 

‘So I think a challenge for Parramatta is nothing to do with football. It’s about their unity,’ said Cronk.

The 372-game halfback with one of the most glittering resumes in the game was, and still is as a commentator, known for having one of, if not the, smartest minds in footy.

He was an expert at marshalling the troops around and getting the best out of both himself and his teammates.

Cronk said being able to do that is crucial for any team aiming for grand final glory after a poor performance in last year’s edition. 

‘If they (Parramatta) are to get back to the grand final, it will be based on that team, culture and unity and helping their team mate be the best player, not necessarily individual,’ he said. 

The footy legend also lauded the impact of women on the game, saying players like popular Blues superstars Kezie Apps and Jess Sergis, not only play brilliant footy – they are inspiring boys and girls all over the country in an increasingly competitive environment for player participation. 

Aside from their skill and athleticism, Cronk says NSW Origin stars like Jess Sergis (centre) and Isabelle Kelly (right) are most importantly encouraging young girls to play the game

NRLW and Origin stars like Corban Baxter (L), Jess Sergis (2L), Kezie Apps (2R) and Ali Briggenshaw (R) are inspiring a whole new generation of young girls 

‘Apart from bringing incredible skill, athleticism; they are inspiring a generation,’ Cronk said.

‘In the men’s game 20-30 years ago with our the old Laurie Daley were doing that thing that inspired the generation to come through now. 

‘They are inspiring the next generation…there’ll be a little girl watching Origin or NRLW at some stage and say, ‘Mommy, Daddy, can I play that game?’ because of Sergis and Apps.’ 

The 2023 NRL season kicks off on Thursday night when the Eels take on the Storm in Parramatta.