1 Feb 2012

Race for Cronk's services in 2013

6:36 am on 1 February 2012

League star Cooper Cronk is refusing to rule out a move away from Melbourne Storm when his contract expires at the end of the 2012 NRL season, with a bidding war almost certain to start for the Queensland playmakers services.

The 28-year-old is the highest profile name off-contract at the end of the 2012 campaign and has been linked with a number of clubs as well as a switch to rugby union.

Reports have claimed he's set his sights set on a contract worth around $NZ 1,000,000 year.

South Sydney are believed to be in pole position to sign Cronk, following Chris Sandow's departure to Parramatta, because of the Storm star's relationship with Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire.

A move to rugby union has also been touted though the prospect of being the first-choice halfback for both Queensland and Australia, with Johnathan Thurston moving to five-eighth to replace the retiring Darren Lockyer, should mean Cronk remains in rugby league.