Is Cooper Cronk’s legacy tarnished?

There’s been plenty of criticism surrounding Cooper Cronk’s decision to play on in 2018 after leaving the Melbourne Storm, where he established his reputation as one of the game’s greatest ever players as two-time Dally M medal winner.

As part of the legendary “Big Three” including himself, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, Cronk ignited the Storm to four grand final victories in seven premiership deciders.

Even before Cronk made his debut for Melbourne in 2004 and played 323 matches for the club, he, Slater and Cronk first met at Brisbane Norths under-19s in 2001. They went on to spend the next 17 years together in dominating at club, state and national levels.

What does Cronk’s two-year signing with the Sydney Roosters mean? Has Cronk tarnished his legacy?

It’s hard to be critical of Cronk for making his personal decision to be located in Sydney with fiancée Tara Rushton. However, it is fair to question why he ended his illustrious association with the Storm after 14 years and plenty of success.

It is hard to imagine what it is like as an athlete to be immersed in a pressurised environment of professional sport. Often, you hear athletes grateful of families and children at home who pay no attention to news or scores as they offer a healthy outlet or distraction to a demanding and mentally-exhausting profession.

Cronk wasn’t afforded that luxury of his own family and loving relationship. It would feel completely hollow and empty to be on your own at home after the end of a long day.

It’s more than understandable why Cronk announced he couldn’t play on in Melbourne next season. From a professional and competitive standpoint, the Roosters made the most sense. One game away from this year’s grand final, Cronk’s biggest asset will be providing his on and off-field experience to the younger rising stars in the team to take the next step in their promising careers.

There is one lingering question that remains unanswered though. As Cooper emotionally announced his impending departure from Melbourne to be with his fiancée earlier this year, one reporter asked: “Cooper, has Tara ever been to Melbourne? Have you shown her all the cafes, fashion and culture that Melbourne has to offer?”

While everyone laughed and giggled, Cronk answered it was in the best interests of her career. But all Storm fans are asking, what’s one more year in the grand scheme of things?

There’s a sense that Cronk may have tarnished his legacy – something he himself would probably admit is a possibility. But there’s also Cronk’s driven side that is more important to him than his legacy. He is determined to prove that he can be as successful without Slater and Smith by his side.

It seems impossible to contemplate the idea of Cronk leading the Roosters to the premiership over the Storm in a premiership decider.

But to Cronk, his drive for the game is his underlying motivation – not his legacy.