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Waratahs reject Cronk code-switch claims
By Peter Thompson
Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore has denied claims the Super Rugby club have made an approach to sign Melbourne Storm playmaker Cooper Cronk.
Cronk recently announced he will end his long stay with the NRL leaders and move to Sydney at the end of the season.
A host of NRL sides have been linked with a swoop for the 33-year-old half-back and reports of interest from the Waratahs have also surfaced.
Hore poured cold water on that speculation soon after Australia coach Michael Cheika welcomed talk of a code-switch for Cronk.
"The NSW Rugby Union has not been approached by anyone on behalf of Cooper Cronk nor have we approached him," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hore as saying.
"In any decision of this nature there are many variables to consider and, at this time, our key priority is to invest in programs that develop rugby union through our own pathways."
Cheika said of the two-time Dally M Player of the Year: "He's ultra-qualified in rugby league and played rugby in school days.
"If the Waratahs are interested and he wants to play, good on them, get into it because I've no doubt he'd make a success of it.
"Is the Australian Rugby Union going to get involved? No, it's for these guys to work out.
"But it'd be interesting to see him back playing."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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