LATEST NEWS:The Sydney Roosters have finalized a transfer agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the signing of Auston Matthews, with the deal amounting to $30 million.

NRL premiership-winning halfbacks Mitchell Pearce and Cooper Cronk recently shed light on the events surrounding their notable saga at the Roosters toward the end of 2017.

The Roosters surprised many in the rugby league world by securing the coveted signature of Cronk, who was widely believed to be retiring after clinching the 2017 grand final with Melbourne. This unexpected move left Pearce sidelined, just four years after he led the Chooks to a historic title. Shortly thereafter, Pearce made his move to Newcastle.

Reflecting on this period, Pearce expressed initial frustration but acknowledged the wisdom of the decision, as Cronk went on to guide the Roosters to back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019. Pearce then spent four years at the Knights before concluding his career with the Catalans Dragons in the Super League in 2023.

During a recent appearance on the Matty Johns Podcast, both Cronk and Pearce were quizzed about the events of 2017. Pearce admitted to the difficulty of accepting being replaced by a superior halfback and champion, though he now understands the situation better in hindsight.

Cronk recalled his initial steps, which included speaking with Pearce and several other Roosters players to address the situation and maintain relationships. He emphasized the importance of fostering connections over making purely business-oriented decisions. Cronk also highlighted the challenges he faced in adjusting to a new team dynamic and playing style at the Roosters.

Overall, the transition was emotionally and strategically demanding for both players, as they navigated personal and professional shifts within the Roosters organization.