NRL great Cronk to retire at season's end

Australia great and Sydney Roosters half-back Cooper Cronk is retiring at the end of the NRL season.

Cronk, who has played the second most games in NRL history, is set to call it quits after 16 seasons, it was announced on Monday.

The 35-year-old former Melbourne Storm star is a two-time Dally M Medallist, former Rugby League World Golden Boot Award winner and Clive Churchill Medallist, while winning three premierships.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis lauded Cronk, who also played 38 games for the Kangaroos and 22 for Queensland.

"I have never seen anybody like Cooper Cronk in our game," he said in a statement.

"Cooper is a tremendous individual and I would like to thank him for his incredible leadership, professionalism and insurmountable contribution to not only our proud club, but the game of rugby league. We will always be very proud to call Cooper a Rooster."

Club News | Cooper Cronk has today announced that he will retire at the end of 2019 NRL season #EastsToWin https://t.co/51Pby9NUkF pic.twitter.com/khE29BPBf9
— Sydney Roosters (@sydneyroosters) May 20, 2019

Cronk spent 14 seasons with Melbourne before joining the Roosters in 2018, helping them win last year's Grand Final.

Roosters head coach Trent Robinson also praised Cronk, who won numerous State of Origin titles and two Rugby League World Cups.

"Knowing Cooper, he won't be too comfortable with these accolades and will be of the view that he still has a job to do, but it's important we pause to acknowledge his achievements over the years," he said.

"The records will show that Cooper was only with our club for two years, but it speaks volumes of his character that his place in the history of our club is assured.

"Cooper is a man of high integrity, and his professional approach to his training, playing and recovery is testament to the character he is.

Congratulations Cooper Cronk on an outstanding career A legend of our club, we will be forever proud of the 13 years you wore the purple jersey and the way you continue to represent the Storm values on and off the field.You will always be part of the Storm family pic.twitter.com/r0Kqw6lTmh
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) May 20, 2019

"He has driven success here at the Roosters, and throughout his career. He has been a remarkable achiever at both club and representative level. Significantly, he has also made those around him better, both on and off the field.

"Looking ahead, on behalf of the playing group and everyone at the club, we wish Cooper and his family all the very best for the next chapter of their lives, but in the short-term, we look forward to seeing out the season together."

The Roosters are among the NRL premiership contenders again this year and sit third in the ladder.