Jul 2nd, 2018

Jul 2nd, 2018

Cronk a chance to retire?

He’s got another year at the Roosters, but there is a real chance that Cooper Cronk will hang up the boots at the end of this season.

Those close to Cronk say he has lost some of the passion and hunger that made him one of the game’s elite players for the past decade.

At 34 and about to become a parent for the first time with partner Tara Rushton, Cronk may be ready to move on with his life and shift into a less mentally and physically demanding commentary role.

(AAP) Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk has another year to run on his contract. (AAP)

The Roosters have sounded out a couple of halves for 2019 in a sign that they know there is a possibility that Cronk will give the game away.

Cronk almost retired at the end of last year after a glittering career at the Storm but was lured into one last deal at the Roosters.

Cowboys’ woes linked to ageing roster

What has gone wrong at the Cowboys this season?

One theory is that the club has allowed it roster to grow old together, without bringing in enough fresh blood over the last couple of seasons.

Coach Paul Green has stayed loyal to his ageing team and deserves kudos for that, but in hindsight, the Cowboys have let fine young talent like Kalyn Ponga go while keeping veterans on board.

(AAP) Newcastle young gun Kalyn Ponga was at the Cowboys before taking up a monster offer at Newcastle. (AAP)

And things only got worse for the club in recent weeks with Justin O’Neill and Ethan Lowe both taking up options in their favour to stay for 2019.

The club would have been happy for either player, both aged 27, to move on and bring in some young talent - but it won’t be happening.

Storm big gun could be done for 2018

There are fears within the Melbourne camp that forward leader Jesse Bromwich may not play again this season.

One of the most durable props in the game, Bromwich has had a horror season in 2018.

The Kiwi international came back from a knee injury last month, only to suffer a hamstring tear in the win over Brisbane.

(AAP) Melbourne Storm prop Jesse Bromwich could be sidelined for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. (AAP)

The original diagnosis was a four to six-week injury but I am hearing it could be a lot worse than that.

It was the injuries to Bromwich, Dale Finucane and Sam Kasiano that prompted the Storm to go on a last-minute spending spree before the June 30 transfer deadline last week.

The club signed three players - ex-Warriors prop Albert Vete, Panthers utility Tom Eisenhuth and young Broncos outside back Marion Seve - in a bid to plug the gaps.

Eels circle Sharks for hooker

Don’t be surprised if James Segeyaro ends up at the Eels in 2019.

Parramatta are on the lookout for a hooker for next season and Segeyaro is one of the most dynamic in the business out of dummy half.

(AAP) Cronulla's James Segeyaro could be a hit at Parramatta. (AAP)

But he has yet to sign a new deal with his current club Cronulla, where he shares the hooking role with classy local junior Jayden Brailey.

Segeyaro has some ‘baggage’ off the field but if the Eels can get him to behave in his down time, he could prove a great signing.

The Tigers have also shown some interest in the former Cowboys number nine.