Fiery Crocker aims to please

[Poida]

Fiery Crocker aims to please

By Dave Donaghy
February 07, 2007

MELBOURNE Storm firebrand Michael Crocker last night said he had overhauled his aggressive tackling style in a deliberate attempt to escape unwanted attention.

Crocker, 26, said his pre-season was spent working on ways to curb his propensity for lifting players in tackles as he continued to recover from off-season knee surgery.

The former Sydney Roosters forward said the Storm coaching staff worked closely with him in developing an alternative tackling technique to the one which landed him in hot water last year.

"I can refine a couple of things and lifting (players in tackles) is one of them," Crocker said.

"The last couple of years I've been working on coming in as the second man and lifting a leg and trying to drive back but I got into trouble a couple of times last year.

"We've worked on a few different techniques in our wrestling sessions and I'll look to utilise that a bit better.

"There are better techniques and there are better ways of controlling (the tackle). It's more about talk and body position."

Crocker, part of a five-man leadership group installed by coach Craig Bellamy, managed just 13 games - all of which Storm won - as suspensions crippled his season.

He missed the entire State of Origin series after being handed a nine-game ban by the judiciary in May for a dangerous tackle on South Sydney lock Shane Rigon.

Crocker returned in round 20 but managed just four games before receiving a further two-week suspension for another lifting tackle on Brisbane and Australia prop Sam Thaiday.

Storm officials are confident Crocker will be available for the club's final pre-season hitout on March 3 despite the recommendation of his specialist, Dr David Young, that he rest until at least round 3.

Crocker said he was confident he could make a successful return in the early grand final rematch against premiers Brisbane at Princes Park.

"I did a pretty good job of it," Crocker said.

"(Dr Young) said I shredded it to bits. He's just pretty pedantic like that and the fact I've had problems with it before. They just want to get it right and make sure it's ready to go.

"We'll have some discussions and see how it's going at the end of February."

Crocker said he would continue to wear a protective brace during contact drills.

First-grade referee Ben Cummins controlled an opposed training session at Storm headquarters yesterday with players showing little regard for self-preservation.

[Casey's Angel27]

[Old Diehard]

I like Crocker- a bit of mongrel in him....hope he's got it when State Of Origin comes about..It's certainly a fine line between tough forward stuff and illegal play, but Storm coaching staff are undoubtly amongest the best and Bellamy & Co wouldn't waste their time if Crocker was as dirty as the Press has some time painted him...

Same with Billy Slater....did some silly illegal things last year (no defense there) but is talented and a good character....the game needs characters!!!! Damn if there wasn't alot more Girls at Bishop Park when Billy played for Norths last year!! See that's good for the game!

So can't wait to see Crocker rip into them again especially when they wear that pale blue jersey!

[Steve Dangerous]

Good to hear.

He be a really great player if he wasn't suspended half the time.