IT’S the type of gibe that teammates can get away with because they knew 12 months ago that Brodie Croft was the chosen one.

When Cooper Cronk sent the rugby league world into a tailspin last April with his declaration that he would be leaving the Melbourne Storm — for pastures at that point unknown — Storm fans sobbed and pundits pondered how Craig Bellamy’s powerhouse could ever be the same without him.

As the playing group began to come to terms with this stunning chain of events, a number turned to Brodie Croft and joked, ‘What are you so happy about?’

Round 19

“I still remember the day when he announced through the club that he was leaving,” Croft told SEN Radio on Monday after seamlessly slipping into Cronk’s No.7 jersey to play a starring role in Melbourne’s World Club Challenge win over the Leeds Rhinos last Friday.

“The boys were definitely getting into me that day saying, ‘Why is everyone sad ‘Crofty’ and you’re the only one who is happy?’”

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Described by many as Cronk 2.0 and bearing such similarities in the way he plays — not to mention the carefully coiffured hairdo — that he will invariably be referred to as Cooper Croft and Brodie Cronk throughout the 2018 season, Croft’s greatest challenge may be outgrowing the shadow of the man he has modelled his game on.

In the post-Cooper Cronk era at the Storm is this the new ‘big three’? Photo: Tony Feder Source: Getty Images

Of course, should he resemble Cronk to such an extent that he goes on to reach similar heights it will be a career to be celebrated, a career that has already got off to a very bright start.

In four games last season he kicked a matchwinning field goal against the Cowboys,

scored a hat-trick in a big win over the Knights and was the creative instigator for the Storm’s 38-4 win over the Rhinos to claim world supremacy.

Melbourne assistant coach Jason Ryles says he will take time to become the complete package but concedes Croft is trending in a very Cronk-like direction.

“While he’s not Cooper he’s certainly based a lot of his game and a lot of his preparation on how Cooper does things,” Ryles told Sky Sports Radio.

“Brodie has been here for three years now, he’s going into his fourth season.

“He’s basically sat there and watched Cooper’s every move for three years.

“Just his dedication and commitment not only to his own game but making sure he knows his role in the team is starting to show in games, and in particular that game on the weekend.

“It’s going to take a little bit of time with him.

“He’s obviously had a really good start which we’re really happy with and knowing Brodie he’ll just keep working on the little areas in his game in trying to improve.”

As for the 20-year-old from Dalby, Croft says he will be forever grateful for the grounding Cronk has given him and the opportunity he has now provided with his departure to the Roosters.

Brodie Croft has studied the training habits and preparation of Cooper Cronk meticulously for the past three years. Photo: Annette Dew Source: News Corp Australia

“(When he left) he wished me all the best and I wished him all the best,” Croft said.

“He’s been pretty incredible for me, the way he took me under his wing and mentored me, I’m forever grateful for what he’s done for me.

“I’ve got to pinch myself every now and then and remind myself what I’m doing because I’m living most the dreams of most young halfbacks.

“Filling the halfback spot for the Storm and taking over from Cooper Cronk who was one of my idols.

“To have him as my mentor over the last couple of years and take over his spot and hopefully make a name for myself is pretty special.”

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