MICK CRONIN

Regarded as one of the greatest centres of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Mick Cronin spent his career in transit between his home in Gerringong and Sydney, refusing to leave his home for the city life.

Cronin was a prodigious talent and was selected for the Kangaroos Tour in 1973 whilst still playing for the Gerringong Lions. It took another four years before the Parramatta Eels talked him into playing in the Sydney NSWRL competition. He was arguably the game’s best centre when he made his first grade debut for the Eels in 1977.

Creating a deadly combination with the likes of Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Steve Ella and Eric Grothe – Parramatta would win four premierships in the 1980’s with their last coming in 1986 which also doubled as Cronin’s final game.

‘The Crow’ played in the inaugural State of Origin in 1980 (eventually amassing 27 games for NSW), 33 games for Australia, won back-to-back Rothmans Medals and held the competition’s point scoring record for 16 seasons.