Cooper Cronk knows this will be his last Finals series in a purple jersey but that thought remains at the back of his mind.
First and foremost, the Storm halfback is planning for Parramatta and how to best steer his side around AAMI Park in this Saturday’s Qualifying Final.
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Cronk was farewelled in fitting fashion last week during Melbourne’s final home game of 2017. However while he appreciated all the presentations, video tributes and well-wishes, the word goodbye is the last thing on his mind.
“If I start thinking this is my last finals series emotionally you start riding that roller coaster of up and down,” Cronk said.
“When you are playing finals football you have to be consistent. My job is not to be emotional, my job is to be consistent and keep everything going in the right direction.
“I can guarantee you right now that I will be doing everything possible to make sure Melbourne Storm is playing its best football this weekend.”
When answering questions from the media on Tuesday, Cronk was asked the obligatory question about what his plans for next season.
The 33-year-old used the opportunity to put a line through any decision being made before the end of Storm’s 2017 campaign.
“I dare say this time of the year is not one for an announcement so I really have put it on the backburner,” Cronk said.
“I’ll worry about that between however long we go for and the World Cup starting. It won’t be happening until after Storm are finished.”
Storm and the Eels will kick off Saturday’s Qualifying Final at AAMI Park at 4.10pm.
