He's in! 'Superhuman' Cronk confirmed to play grand final

The Sydney Roosters have been dealt a grand final miracle with Cooper Cronk named to play in the big game.

One hour before kick off in the big dance between the Roosters and Storm, Cronk was named a confirmed starter, just one week after suffering a severe rotator cuff injury in the preliminary final against the Rabbitohs.

Cronk will take his usual halfback position with Mitch Aubusson moving to second row and Issac Liu moved to the bench.

The Storm are 1-17.

Reports emerged on Sunday afternoon that Cronk had been cleared by medical staff to play, with the final decision resting on the weakened shoulders of the former Storm star.

Cronk’s addition is a huge plus for the Roosters, who brought in the former Kangaroos halfback to win them the big games at the end of the year.

The superstar playmaker will need pain-killing injections in his injured left shoulder to get through the game, with former Roosters star Craig Wing suggesting the option could mean long-term damage to the joint.

“I think Cooper Cronk’s sore shoulder is all smoke and mirrors and he is 100 per cent,” Wing told Fox Sports.

“It will mean getting some painkilling injections which can work wonders.

“It is probably not the best thing for long-term health but …I will guarantee 100 per cent of players would say it is worth it.”

Cronk and more specifically his left shoulder will now become the target of Storm big men looking to spell further damage to the Roosters star.

Melbourne are widely considered the best team at targeting injuries in opposition teams.