Super Cronk
15-12-05, 04:37 PM
Crocker having red-hot crack: Melbournestorm.com.au
HIGH-PROFILE Storm recruit Michael Crocker looms as a surprise inclusion in Craig Bellamy's leadership group after an impressive start to his Melbourne career.
The rugged back-rower has been the standout at pre-season training, impressing coaching staff and teammates.
"I have only been back for a few days (from the Kangaroo tour) but everyone is telling me how good Mick is going," Bellamy said yesterday.
"I always knew he was a good trainer, but I think what we have seen down here is he is a good leader as well.
"He is helping out young guys and encouraging others who are struggling and that shows he is maturing."
No stranger to controversy both on and off the field, Crocker is hoping his move to Melbourne can help kick-start his career.
"I am really loving it in Melbourne," Crocker said.
"I guess it has been said before, but it really does feel like a fresh start for me.
"I have found the training pretty tough. It is a lot different to what we did at the Roosters, but I have enjoyed the variety and the change of scenery.
"It has been good to get out of the spotlight, it is a lot different to Sydney."
Crocker also hopes that, under Bellamy, he can rekindle his representative ambitions.
While he played all three State-of-Origin games for Queensland this year, he lost his place in the national side.
"It is no secret Mick didn't have a good year at the Roosters," Bellamy said.
"I think it came as a bit of a shock to him that he wasn't going to be there, despite having a year to run on his contract.
"I don't think there is any reason he can't get back to his best next season.
"I thought that, along with Cameron Smith, he was still close to Queensland's best in the Origin series. The key for Mick is getting that quality in his play every week."
-------------------------
Just wanetd to see everyones opinions. Do you think the move to Melbourne will do Crocker the world of good?
HIGH-PROFILE Storm recruit Michael Crocker looms as a surprise inclusion in Craig Bellamy's leadership group after an impressive start to his Melbourne career.
The rugged back-rower has been the standout at pre-season training, impressing coaching staff and teammates.
"I have only been back for a few days (from the Kangaroo tour) but everyone is telling me how good Mick is going," Bellamy said yesterday.
"I always knew he was a good trainer, but I think what we have seen down here is he is a good leader as well.
"He is helping out young guys and encouraging others who are struggling and that shows he is maturing."
No stranger to controversy both on and off the field, Crocker is hoping his move to Melbourne can help kick-start his career.
"I am really loving it in Melbourne," Crocker said.
"I guess it has been said before, but it really does feel like a fresh start for me.
"I have found the training pretty tough. It is a lot different to what we did at the Roosters, but I have enjoyed the variety and the change of scenery.
"It has been good to get out of the spotlight, it is a lot different to Sydney."
Crocker also hopes that, under Bellamy, he can rekindle his representative ambitions.
While he played all three State-of-Origin games for Queensland this year, he lost his place in the national side.
"It is no secret Mick didn't have a good year at the Roosters," Bellamy said.
"I think it came as a bit of a shock to him that he wasn't going to be there, despite having a year to run on his contract.
"I don't think there is any reason he can't get back to his best next season.
"I thought that, along with Cameron Smith, he was still close to Queensland's best in the Origin series. The key for Mick is getting that quality in his play every week."
-------------------------
Just wanetd to see everyones opinions. Do you think the move to Melbourne will do Crocker the world of good?