“The Sydney Roosters are a proud club with an esteemed history, and this is an exciting new opportunity for me,” Cronk said in a statement.
“It marks the start of a new chapter for me both professionally and personally and I look forward to joining my new teammates and coaches, and immersing myself in the club’s culture in lead-up to the 2018 season.”
The deal is worth around $2 million, and is arguably one of the biggest signings the Roosters have made since Sonny Bill Williams.
“We are delighted to have secured the services of Cooper for the next two seasons,” said Roosters Chief Executive Joe Kelly.
“Cooper has played the game at the highest level for a number of years and we are keenly aware of what he brings to the Club. Together with the established leaders within our squad, we see him as a wonderful addition to our roster,” he added.
Cronk will be with the club for two seasons.
He’s made the move from Melbourne to be closer to his fiance Tara Rushto
Manu will leave the Roosters at the end of 2024 after signing a one-year deal with Toyota Verblitz, and has made no commitment his Sydney club beyond that.
The Tricolours welcome skipper James Tedesco back from concussion for Thursday night’s clash with Melbourne, with Kiwi international Manu shifting from fullback back to the centres after starring at No.1 in their win over Newcastle.
It’s a huge loss for us and the game,” the coach said ahead of their battle with the second-placed Storm.
“It was done in the right way and it was really transparent but you can’t downplay losing Joey Manu; there’s not someone who’s going to walk in and do that role.
“I don’t know if he will be back … I’d like it to be the assumption that he does return here but there’s definitely nothing there about him returning otherwise I’d be a little bit happier right now.
“After this year I’m not sure I’ll see him again in a professional sense.”
Robinson said Manu’s motivation for his move was a personal challenge, to play the code he grew up with and also to live overseas, which the Roosters couldn’t compete with.
