The fiery moment that proves Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk feud is real
Cooper Cronk wrapped his head around Cameron Smith’s neck in a tense moment that proves the feud between the pair is as real as it gets.
In the 13th minute of the Roosters’ dominant grand final victory over Melbourne, Smith took down his injured former teammate after a kick.
Cronk took exception to the hit, especially considering the state of his shoulder, and grabbed his former captain by the throat, before pushing him down to the ground.
As many NRL fans examined the game to see if a reported feud between the pair was real or not, this was the moment that closed the case.
Guarantee this gets swept under the rug or excused. You can’t choke someone because you didn’t like that they made a legal tackle in a contact sport? If you didn’t want a shoulder hit, don’t take the field!
Respect very much diminished now for Cronk 😡 pic.twitter.com/rWrFeZpiws— Hayley Thrupp (@Hayleyyemma) September 30, 2018
Cronk seems to be the immature one in this Smith-Cronk feud. Almost refused to shake his hand in their mid-season clash, brushed him after the GF and also tried to choke him during the game. Won’t see anymore support from Melbourne fans after that immature display
— Hayley Thrupp (@Hayleyyemma) September 30, 2018
While push and shove is a constant after hits on kickers in rugby league, a choke hold is certainly a step above that and proves the pair’s former friendship has been broken.
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It wasn’t Cronk’s only shot on his former Storm teammate, as he delivered a subtle jab in his post-match interview.
Speaking after his inspirational grand final performance, Cronk thanked the Storm as an organisation for giving him his opportunity to play NRL, before pin-pointing a couple of his former teammates for their roles in his career.
“While I’ve got this moment, I probably need to thank Melbourne Storm for everything they’ve done for me,” Cronk told Nine.
Cronk thanked the Storm as an organisation for giving him his opportunity to play NRL, before pin-pointing a couple of his former teammates for their roles in his career.
“While I’ve got this moment, I probably need to thank Melbourne Storm for everything they’ve done for me,” Cronk told Nine.
“In particular, Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman, they’re two guys that have made me a better player and a better person.”
Fans quickly took notice of the fact Cronk didn’t mention Smith, the Storm captain for the large majority of Cronk’s time in Melbourne, and a teammate of the halfback throughout his whole Storm career.
Pretty sure Cooper Cronk just went and hugged every single Storm player …. except Cameron Smith. Smith was getting around his teammates. Don’t think they’ve crossed paths yet #NRLGF
— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) September 30, 2018
Cooper Cronk “ I’d like to thank Billy slater and Ryan Hoffman” not Cameron Smith who passed me the ball a thousand times.. yep there’s no hate there! 😂🤷♀️🙄
— Kazz Wicks (@kazz_wicks) September 30, 2018
omg Cooper made a point to thank Billy and Ryan Hoffman and not Cameron Smith
the feud is real, we repeat, the feud is real
— The Oh Errol Girls (@oherrol) September 30, 2018
Cameron Smith saying Cronk “did a good job to hide tonight” is surely going to put to bed the rumours of a fallout between the two 😳 #NRLGF
— Kris Read (@DesignedToFade) September 30, 2018
Cooper Cronk did not mention Cameron Smith when thanking Melbourne Storm.
Ouch.#NRLGF— Michael Curran (@MichaelBCurran) September 30, 2018
Anyone notice Smith did not congratulate Cronk in his speech. He did mention a number of Rooters personally but not his former teammate
— Dragon Fan (@DragonRedV1) September 30, 2018
Cronk just thanked the Storm, Slater and Hoffman. This feud with Smith is as real as it gets
— MistaDevalina (@Devonhead) September 30, 2018
I was listening to the speeches on MMM and Cameron Smith congratulated half a dozen Roosters personally but no mention of his “mate” cooper Cronk
— Dragon Fan (@DragonRedV1) September 30, 2018
Great to see the respect and care between Billy and Cronk running deep. But shame the love’s gone for Cronk and Cam after so long playing together… no thanks or acknowledgements #NRLGF
— Liam Dooley (@LDooles) September 30, 2018
Find it funny that both Smith or Cronk didn't acknowledge each other in any post match interviews. Really broke up. #NRLGF
— Scott Sinfield (@ozzysinco) September 30, 2018
Some fans also noted that Smith made no mention of Cronk in his runner-up speech, despite singling out a couple of Roosters players.
It appears the frosty relationship between the pair hasn’t warmed in recent months.