Cooper Says Goodbye to the Storm
- ashleighdwan
- Apr 7, 2017
- 2 min read
At first I didn't quite believe it. There was no way my beloved Cooper Cronk could be voluntarily leaving the Melbourne Storm. After all, he had only ever played at that club and had become such an integral part of their success. But, as I watched his press conference in disbelief it seemed love was his reason behind the decision.
Mum and I have often commented on Coops love life. He isn't married and doesn't have kids, unlike many of his team mates.
He has always put his career first.
In explaining his decision, Cronk said “there is more to life than football. It's time I put someone else and something else first”. After continually travelling back and forth to Sydney to see his fiancée Tara Ruston, there is no doubt something had to give.
In his press conference he was as humble as ever and delivered a sincere, honest, heartfelt and professional speech.
Gus Gould summed it up perfectly when he said, "there was a conviction in his voice that left you in no doubt that this was his decision and he totally meant every word".
Cronk also mentioned his long time coach and Queensland team mates Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. The three of them have been playing together forever.
“To Craig, Cameron and Billy. (People) talk about ‘the Big Three’ but in my eyes they’re the real ‘Big Three'.
“I’m a distant relative if you talk about those three in terms of the contribution you make to this football club. They’re the three most influential people in this club’s history.
“As long they’re here, whether I’m here or not, there’ll be guaranteed success because one, they’re very good at what they do. Two, their work ethic. And their desire for success.
“Whether I’m here or not, Storm members will be guaranteed success having those three guys here.”
Cronk has been not only been a exceptional footballer and a tremendous leader, but an outstanding ambassador for rugby league.
I really hope he continues to play for another NRL team as I believe his has a hell of a lot more to give to the game. I don't want to see this decision hinder his chance of an even longer career.
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