The Rugby
League Players’ Association (RLPA) would like to congratulate Cooper Cronk on a
wonderful NRL career, with the champion halfback today announcing he will
retire at the end of the 2019 season.
Cronk made his
NRL debut in 2004 for the Melbourne Storm, playing 14 years with the Victorian
club, before joining the Sydney Roosters in 2018.
With 360 NRL
appearances under his belt, Cronk also made his mark in the representative
arena with 38 Tests for Australia, 22 State of Origin games for Queensland and
an NRL All Stars appearance in 2012.
In 2018, Cronk
became the first player in the NRL era to win back-to-back premierships at
different Clubs – winning the title with Melbourne in 2017 and with the
Roosters in the following season.
A two-time
Dally M winner, Clive Churchill medallist and Golden Boot recipient, the
35-year-old has an enormous list of achievements.
Cronk has been
a wonderful ambassador for the game throughout his career and earlier this year
joined the RLPA’s Player Advisory Group – providing his wealth of knowledge to
inform the strategic approach of the Association in advancing the interests of
his fellow players.
“Cooper will
leave a lasting legacy on the game of Rugby League,” RLPA Chief Executive, Ian
Prendergast said. “It has been an honour to work with Cooper over the past few
years and his contribution to Rugby League has been extraordinary – both on and
off the field.
“Cooper is
selfless in nature and has always been willing to share his insights and knowledge
with the Association to benefit his fellow players.
“I’m looking
forward to watching Cooper take the field in his remaining matches this year as
the game farewell’s a champion.
“On behalf of
the RLPA, I would like to congratulate Cooper on his long list of playing
achievements and wish him well as he transitions into the next chapter at the
end of this year.”
