Will he or won’t he?

The guessing game over Cooper Cronk has intensified after the injured halfback took no part in the Sydney Roosters’ final training run ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final against Melbourne.

Cronk’s much talked-about left shoulder was assessed in secret on Saturday but the ex-Test No.7 appears unlikely to overcome a severe rotator cuff tear after not being sighted in their closed captain’s run at Allianz Stadium.

And in another twist, Sean O’Sullivan has reportedly been told he won’t replace Cronk at halfback.

Victor Radley or Ryan Matterson are now considered the best chances to slot into the halves with Luke Keary as the Roosters sweat on Cronk.

The Roosters put Cronk through his paces at Allianz Stadium in a fitness test on Saturday that was expected to involve tackling giant prop Dylan Napa after knocking back the chance to hold a captain’s run at ANZ Stadium.

The Roosters name a trimmed 19-strong squad on Saturday night but a final verdict on Cronk is not expected until an hour before kick-off.

That has not stopped experts weighing in on whether self proclaimed “long shot” Cronk will run out against his former club.

Veteran utility Mitchell Aubusson has been named to start at halfback for the first time in his career for the decider.

But Radley is believed to loom large in the Roosters’ pre-game plans.

There is speculation the hard hitting Radley will either be used as Cronk’s bodyguard in defence on Sunday or will shift from lock to five-eighth, with pivot Keary moving to No.7 against Melbourne if the playmaker is ruled out.

While a chorus of greats such as Johnathan Thurston have dismissed Cronk’s chances, ex-Roosters half Jamie Soward reckoned the signs were good the No.7 would play.

“I am adamant he will play. I haven’t changed my feeling all week,” Soward told Fox Sports.

“At the media conference on Friday, if it was that bad he would have had it in a sling and protecting it at all costs.

“I just think it is too big a game and he can defend on the edge and they will just change their defensive structures a little bit.”