LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL champions Mitchell Pearce and Cooper Cronk have spilled the beans on the dramatic Roosters saga that unfolded in 2017, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how it all went down in classic footy fashion.
The Roosters sent shockwaves through the rugby league world by snatching up Cronk, who many believed was hanging up his boots after securing a grand final win with Melbourne.
This left Pearce out in the cold, just a few years after leading the Chooks to a long-awaited title, prompting his departure to Newcastle in a whirlwind of emotions.
Despite initial frustrations, Pearce eventually came to terms with the tough decision, as it led to Cronk steering the Roosters to back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019, solidifying their place in rugby league history.
After a successful stint at the Knights, Pearce ventured overseas to join the Catalans Dragons in the Super League for the final chapters of his career, which came to a close in 2023.
The saga may have been difficult, but in true footy spirit, both players have moved on to new challenges with grace.