CRONULLA and Parramatta have been warned away from Storm halfback Cooper Cronk after new Melbourne chief executive Ron Gauci complained to the NRL about rival clubs approaching the Kangaroos and Maroons star.
Gauci, who is expected to hold discussions with salary cap auditor Ian Schubert about the Storm's plans to retain the Test and Origin quartet of Cronk, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater while in Sydney for today's club chief executives meeting, sent an email to Schubert advising that the 26-year-old playmaker would not be released.
Schubert yesterday forwarded the email to all 15 NRL clubs reminding them that Cronk was under contract with the Storm and had not been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
The move follows speculation Cronk has been offered $800,000 per season to leave Melbourne, with the Sharks and Eels having expressed strong interest in obtaining his services. Newcastle and Manly would also be keen on a halfback of Cronk's calibre, while he has also been linked to rugby union.
However, Cronk has repeatedly said he was not interested in leaving the Storm and intended seeing out the remaining three years of his deal.
Replies
Why stay?
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next