Fans erupt over Cronk's 'inspirational' hit on Storm giant
Footy fans were left in awe after seeing Cooper Cronk put his broken body on the line against Storm monster Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Cronk barely touched the ball or made a tackle as the Roosters raced away to grand final victory, however every involvement he did have was filled with courage and class.
That was never more evident than when he stopped a charging Asofa-Solomona dead in his tracks… with a little help from a couple of teammates.
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In inspirational scenes, Cronk put his body in front of big Nelson, and even threw in his injured left shoulder into the mix.
It was later revealed Cronk had a broken scapula, or shoulder blade in that left shoulder.
It was warrior stuff from Cronk, and fans were taking plenty of notice.
Cronk is a warrior. Respect
— Evaiid (@Evaiid) September 30, 2018
Don’t go the ‘Storm didn’t even test Cronk out’ theory… 53min mark. Asofa-Solomona set play straight at Cronk on the try line and he nailed him. Inspirational. #NRLGF
— Trent Copeland (@copes9) September 30, 2018
Solomona slams into Cooper Cronk, who feels the hit, but continues to be the on field coach for the Roosters, Storm can't find a way to crack the defence, looking ominous for Melbourne getting midway through half #NRLRoostersStorm #nrlgf
— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon) September 30, 2018
You just can't question Cronk's commitment, the ultimate professional#NRLGF
— Dan 🎮 (@CuppaBrew) September 30, 2018
Cooper Cronk. If I had busted my shoulder like that I would be taking six months off work and getting compo for the rest of my entire life. #NRLGF
— Jessica Clement (@jess_clement) September 30, 2018
It’s incredibly gutsy tackle by Cronk on solomona, but if you play, you have to make it. #nrlgf
— Andrew Bryan (@AndrewBryan321) September 30, 2018
It was one of only nine tackles Cronk made in the game, on top of zero runs.
Moments later, Cronk took another huge hit from Asofa-Solomona, but gained a penalty from the brutal act as the Storm were pulled up for obstruction.
Many fans also took to Twitter to admire Cronk’s coaching role during the dominant Roosters display.
The former Storm star will be waking up with a sore throat on Monday morning, not just a sore shoulder, after yelling orders for the duration of the game.