Adam SutcliffeMelbourne Storms Cooper Cronk to replace Jonathan Thurston in Centenary Test 2008
May 8th 2008 07:40
www.nrl news.com
Melbourne Storm halfback Cooper Cronk is set to replace leading no.7 Jonathan Thurston in the Australian team for the Centenary Test against the New Zealand All Golds side this Friday night. Jonathan Thurston has apparently rolled his ankle at training today and NRL Rugby League insiders say that he is all but gone for the big clash tomorrow night.
While a big loss for the Australia Rugby League side, the fact that Scott Prince didn't get the backup job will surprise many. Queenslander Scott Prince has been in the form of his career as he has guided the Gold Coast Titans team to the top of the NRL ladder for a good part of the 2008 season. While only early days, the NRL Results shown from the Titans has been extremely positive and they continue to be a force despite injuries to key players such as Luke Bailey in their forward pack.
Regardless, the style of Cooper Cronk will certainly not detract from the Australian team. Cronk while a 'moulded' half back has quickly come of age and plays an uptempo creative half style, but with a nice short kicking game.
Cronk has good combinations with his Melbourne Storm team-mates such as Greg Inglis and Billy Slater and will easily slot into the team. This may have been the reason that selectors and Ricky Stuart opted for Cronk in the middle of the park.
Cronk will be partnered by Greg Bird, as Darren Lockyer another first choice half was also overcome by injury.
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