How Michael Cronin steered Jack Murchie to the Parramatta Eels
https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_144%2C$height_144/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/e96bb1894842377bd446b06367bcc490ecef25b8 2x" alt="Adrian Proszenko" width="72" height="72" />ByAdrian Proszenko
When Parramatta put a contract in front of Jack Murchie, he didn’t sign it until he had spoken to Michael Cronin.
Eels legend Cronin was the coach of the Gerringong Lions when local lad Murchie, then an 18-year-old centre, was called up to the top grade for grand final day seven years ago. The pair combined for a premiership, forming a bond that has resulted in them keeping in touch over the years.
So, when Murchie was sifting through the options on the table, which included offers from the Knights and Titans, he sought Cronin’s counsel.
“It definitely did [sway me], he had a lot of good things to say about the club,” Murchie said.
“I gave him a call before I came to the club to have a chat about what it’s like, getting a few tips off him.
“I have a good relationship with Crow, I see him down the pub there every now and then.
‘I’d love to see him win a comp at Parramatta. I think he’s got a bit to offer.’
Michael Cronin on Jack Murchie
“Everyone talks about him at Parramatta, they all love him. The stuff he did back in the ’80s is amazing. I’ve seen highlights of him as well, he’s a gun. He’s a good fella.
“It felt like I had a bit of a family connection as well; my mum’s partner, Russell Ford, played reserve for Parramatta.
“My mum was really keen for me to come here because we have that connection.”
The Eels were desperate to bolster their forward stocks after losing Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali’i, Oregon Kaufusi, Reed Mahoney and Ray Stone at the end of their 2022 campaign. Murchie, off contract after a three-year Warriors stint, was identified as one of those to fill the void.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.283%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_276%2C$y_188/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/4e85348aa2ad0c9ec19efe5b765aece4e4d16672 2x" alt="Parramatta Eels forward Jack Murchie." width="584" height="390" />Parramatta Eels forward Jack Murchie.CREDIT:PARRAMATTA EELS
Cronin, one of the most revered figures in Parramatta history, thought it was a good fit and told Murchie as much.
“I said ‘You’d be going to a side that’s gone to a grand final, is well run, into a position where there’s going to be an opening for you’,” Cronin said.
“I can’t see them going backwards and this is the one side where he will be closer to his family as well.
“I’d love to see him win a comp at Parramatta. I think he’s got a bit to offer.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.338%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_109/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/532261537a2e8b06a8ae12e8ef935fd74b635fc3 2x" alt="Mick Cronin in his prime in 1986." width="584" height="390" />Mick Cronin in his prime in 1986.CREDIT:NRL PHOTOS
“At the end of last year, he started to look like the player we thought he could be.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes at Parramatta because there’s a lot of improvement in him, that’s my opinion.
“I like him, I reckon he can be an even better player than what he’s been. I think he’s got a bit to offer.”
Murchie made 37 appearances for the Warriors after three cracks at first grade at Canberra. The absence of the suspended Ryan Matterson for the opening rounds of the season has created a further opportunity for Murchie. The 25-year-old will get his first run in the blue-and-gold jersey in Friday night’s final trial game against Newcastle in Gosford.
“That’s the goal, to put in some good performances in the trials and go from there,” Murchie said.
“Matto is a big loss in the middle, but there’s an opportunity there. I just have to put the right foot forward and do my best.”
Murchie, who recently became a father for the first time, said he was potentially interested in pursuing a career as a firefighter once his NRL days are over.
“It seems like a cool job,” he said. “In your downtime, it’s a bit like footy, you get to work out and stuff.
“It would be cool to go into the community and help out.”
Replies
Sounds good. I'd like to see him with a comp with us as well. Let's hope the Crow's opinion of him is spot on.
Murchie was originally a centre now in the forwards
I have always liked the look of Murchie in the games I saw him play with the Warriors.
I'm tipping a huge year from him....
Murchie is nearly 26 and has played 40 fgg, he's always been a fringe first grader. He has a bit of skill and not too bad pace as a back rower. Have to admit, if Arthur can turn Murchie into a solid first grader, it would be a minor miracle. Not expecting much, but we are very thin in the back row so he'll get his chance. Sorry but He's a below average buy. I don't think he will amount to much. Just an average fringe benchie
He's the CNO of 1EE.
Chief Negative Officer lol
😂😂😂
Haha yea well someone has to balance the scales with all the Unicorns on the other site lol
I have taken a copy of this Dreggsie and lets see if we need to revive it. That said, what you said about Chiefy is probably the most accurate statement I have heard you make.
Wake up Chiefy there is a life somewhere out there for you.....what was the words you said about Ice when he first came over by the way?
Lol
lol
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