There were fears the detached retina he suffered during a pre-season trial at Cessnock would force him into retirement.
But after a lengthy recovery period, Cronin returned to an Eels side making the most of the new Parramatta Stadium. In that year, the Eels enjoyed the highest average crowd of any NSWRL side.
Match Highlights: Eels v Bulldogs
Once he returned, his goal-kicking was not what it once was. He entered the grand final with a 46 per cent success rate.
His first shot at goal in the decider sliced to the right. His second hit the post from right in front and the match remained scoreless.
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Canterbury legend George Peponis has taken aim at the Bulldogs for axing good friend and chief executive Andrew Hill at short notice.
The Sydney club, notorious for its boardroom dramas, is now without a CEO, head of football and head of commercial just two months out from the season.
Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill, centre, has been moved on.
Peponis has worked with Hill in the past, including at the 2017 World Cup, and was disappointed – yet hardly surprised – a good man had been let go by the so-called ‘‘Family Club’’.
Despite a club press release claiming Hill had resigned, Hill was told by chairman John Khoury late on Monday his services were no longer required. He inked an extension just last year and guided the club through one of its toughest periods in history.
June
June 1: ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys pushes the idea of diverting funds earmarked for the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium into refurbishing suburban venues at Brookvale, Campbelltown and Kogarah.
The game’s reboot after almost 10 weeks in lockdown is hailed a major success, while the return to one referee and the new six-again rule are given a near-universal vote of approval following Round 3 matches. Bumper television audiences, less wrestling, fewer injuries and more action are the key changes.
Australia’s three-match Ashes series with Great Britain is officially cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers looking to 2022 as a possible replacement date.
Michael Maguire is just the second coach in Wests Tigers 21-year history to secure a contract extension as the joint-venture backs him wholeheartedly to end the NRL's longest finals drought.