Cooper Cronk

Cronk's decision non-factor for Slater

The 33-year-old is focused on returning to his superstar form after making his comeback from two long injury-plagued years.

"(Cronk's decision) is a totally separate issue to me," Slater said. "This won't determine what I'll do next year and I haven’t really thought about that.

"I've been lucky to be down here for 15 years now. I've brought up a young family down here.

"I'm just enjoying playing football again. I've had three games under my belt now and hopefully I'll get many more before I have to make that decision."

Cronk ready for new halves partner

Since taking the reins from Matt Orford in 2006, Cronk has lined up alongside more than half-a-dozen five-eighths in the Victorian capital.

In his first year as the Storm's chief playmaker Cronk partnered veteran stand-off Scott Hill, before Greg Inglis was shifted to five-eighth for two-and-a-bit seasons.

Cronk not driven by grand final defeat

Cronk and his Storm teammates fought valiantly to come back from an 8-0 half-time deficit in last year's decider, only for Sharks prop Andrew Fifita to barge over 10 minutes from the end to hand Cronulla their first premiership. 

Cooper Cronk wins 2016 Golden Boot

Cronk edged out Storm teammate Cameron Smith, Brisbane's Darius Boyd and Cowboy Jason Taumalolo to be crowned the world's best rugby league player.

It is the first time in Cronk's career he has won the Golden Boot award and follows his second Dally M Player of the Year honour.

Taumalolo and Cronk win Dally M

RNZ reports the North Queensland Cowboys lock and Melbourne Storm half-back headed into the final round of counting level on 26 points, but neither managed to poll, meaning the league's top honour was shared for the second time in three years.

Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston followed in equal third on 22 points.

Kiwi's star Taumalolo said he was happy to share the award with Cronk, but was modest when talking about his own outstanding season.

"I don't think I changed compared to last year, just run harder," he said.

Cooper Cronk to join 300 club

On top of that milestone, for the first time in history, two members of the 300-club will take the field in the same team.

Cronk will be joined by Cameron Smith (333 games) when he becomes just the 25th player to reach the milestone.

Cronk will be presented with the match ball from his 300th game following the match against the Raiders, officially anointing him part of the 300 Club.

"This will truly be a special night for Melbourne," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

Cronk cleared to play Origin I

Maroons assistant Anthony Seibold confirmed that Cronk would take his place in the Queensland side, five days after rolling his ankle at training at their Gold Coast camp.

"He trained really well last night. I can confirm he is going to start tonight," Seibold said.

Queensland's Cooper Cronk will decide his own fitness hours out from series opener

Cronk surprised onlookers on Tuesday when he ran out with the Maroons' squad for their only training session at Sydney's Olympic stadium ahead of the State of Origin opener.

While he is not certain Cronk would be fit to play, Walters remains confident the half-back would make the cut - but the final call will be left to the man himself.

"I will let Cooper make the call. He is big enough to work out whether he can get through 80 minutes of Origin," Walters said.

"He's quietly confident he can play. But tomorrow, we have to make a decision," he said.

Thurston takes control of Maroons

The Maroons conducted an extensive opposed session on the Gold Coast on Sunday morning and while Cronk's absence as he attempts to recover from an ankle injury was expected, not having Manly half Daly Cherry-Evans on standby was something of a surprise.

Cherry-Evans returned to his Manly home as Queensland finalise their preparations for Game One of the 2016 Holden State of Origin Series hopeful that Cronk will play but by no means certain.

Cronk feeling pinch in fitness battle

NSW have accused Queensland of playing mind games after Cronk left training on Friday nursing a rolled ankle.

But Queensland back-rower Sam Thaiday says Cronk's injury is very real, revealing the halfback's round-the-clock icing had been taking its toll at their Gold Coast camp.

"He's a pretty positive person. He will do anything and everything he can to play," Thaiday said.

"His biggest drama at the moment is lack of sleep because he has been up most nights icing it to get the swelling out."