COOPER Cronk has been coy about his playing future but Phil “Buzz” Rothfield has revealed the Sharks are seriously eyeing the Storm star.

The revelation comes on the back of chatter that Cronulla five-eighth James Maloney is looking for a top-up on his $600,000 a year contract.

It’s believed the Knights have made a major play for Maloney and could table a deal worth $1 million dollars a season.

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media_camera James Maloney is believed to be chasing more money with the Knights

The deal hangs on Shane Flanagan’s ability to convince Cooper Cronk to move to the shire.

“If Cronulla can get him [Cronk] Maloney will be released to go to Newcastle, which I think would be great for the game,” Phil Rothfield said on the Monday Bunker.

“I don’t necessarily agree that 18 months into a three-year deal that he now wants out but I can understand the Knights would be offering him a million dollars and he’s on about $600,000 at Cronulla.

media_camera Champion halfback Cooper Cronk remains undecided as to whether he will play on next season

“But Shane Flanagan can’t release him until he has a commitment from Cronk.

“I do know Flanno rings his [Cronk’s] manager George Mimis once a week. I would say it is probably 50/50.”