Trent Robinson …

He came in 18 months ago and we knew we would get a top quality footballer. We knew the impact he’s had over his whole career on other players and the teams he’s played for. And then the man walked in and opened up straightaway to each every one of us, and said I’m here for you, what do you need?

Everybody he’s touched in this organisation has had a snapshot of what a rugby league player is like and what a man’s like.

He’s made me a better coach, pushed me as a coach and pushed us all as a club to strive for more, to want more, but also do it in a way with integrity, with an understanding and moral fibre and with a selflessness that goes with being a rugby league person.

Cooper doesn’t talk at all about his achievements … a lot of them are individual and he’s the greatest team player I’ve ever seen. This man’s one of the greats and it’s time for him.

Luke Keary …

He’s an unbelievable person and an unbelievable footy player. As a five-eighth, he has taught me so much about the game it’s not funny. I’m so much more knowledgeable. I’ve learned how to deal with situations just by talking to him and watching him. He’s so open to give you everything. He holds nothing back and has been like that from the very start.

For what he’s done in the game he could be forgiven for having a big ego, but there’s no ego there at all. It’s not just with me, but everyone in our club. Ask anyone inside the Roosters.

What sets him apart is the way he sees the game. It sounds a bit weird but he’s shown me how he sees it, and it’s opened my whole mind up. He does it this way and he has done it for 15 years, and you start to realise he knows what he’s talking about.

Especially around game management. He knows what to do if you put him in any situation. He will nail what needs to be done, not just for himself, but he can tell the 12 other blokes on the field what needs to be done.

It’s an unbelievable and weird trait he’s got. He can control people, and they don’t even know he’s controlling them.

Coops has allowed me to play with freedom and vision. Because I’m so sure he’s in control of everything, I have freedom to express myself.

He’s changed the way I play, and approach the game. My first 70 games of rugby league, I worked myself up to like an eight or nine out of a 10 intensity level. Since I got to the Roosters and I’ve been working with Cooper, I’ve learned I can’t function on that level, especially as a half who has to be in control of a football team.

People can feel your energy and intensity. Now I try to get myself to a three out of 10, where I can cruise but be very much in control of my thoughts and emotions. That allows me to be aware of myself but also be aware of people around me, which as a half and a leader is exactly what you need.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

There will be many plaudits today for Cooper Cronk but none will do complete justice to his humility & modesty. He is a Champion on the field & a Gentleman off the field. Rugby league is a better game for his contribution! @NRL @storm @sydneyroosters @QLDmaroons @Kangaroos pic.twitter.com/gY3bibHEXH

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) May 20, 2019