Cooper Cronk has played the NRL grand final with a broken scapula to help inspire the Sydney Roosters to a 21-6 win over the Melbourne Storm, who farewelled Billy Slater on a losing note.
Cronk was only confirmed as a definite starter a bit over an hour before kick-off at Sydney's Olympic stadium following a week of speculation about his injured shoulder, however the extent of the injury was revealed after the Roosters claimed victory.
The Roosters were on top of the Storm early in the grand final, scoring tries through Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell inside the opening 15 minutes, while a third late in the first half established an 18-0 lead at the break.
The Storm did not get on the scoreboard until the 62nd minute but it was too late for the defending premiers to lay a glove on the Roosters, who added a field goal through Luke Keary and penalty goal from Mitchell to ice the victory in front of 82,688 spectators.
The loss dampened Slater's final match before heading into retirement, while Cronk enjoyed the rare honour of winning consecutive grand finals with two different clubs, having triumphed with the Storm last year.
It is the Roosters' first premiership since 2013 and second under coach Trent Robinson.
More to come.
