Cooper Cronk is aware of the growing hype surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans as heir apparent to the Kangaroos halfback role.
But, as you might expect from a reigning Dally M medal winner, incumbent Australian No.7 Cronk isn’t exactly anxious about his place in the side beyond the Rugby League World Cup.
On the back of a fine tournament, 29-year-old Cronk will attempt to steer the Kangaroos to World Cup glory alongside Johnathan Thurston in Saturday’s final against New Zealand at Old Trafford.
Cherry-Evans, 24, is expected to feature on the bench but there are suggestions the Manly playmaker could soon be threatening for a starting halves spot for both Australia and Queensland should he continue his rapid rise next season.
Cronk, though, insists he sees Clive Churchill medallist Cherry-Evans as a valuable representative teammate rather than a threat.
“I know there’s a bit of talk about it but to be be honest I’m completely comfortable with my position,” Cronk told AAP.
“Daly’s a wonderful player and no doubt he wants to play (in a starting role) for Australia and it’s inevitable he will one day.
“But it’s not inspiring me to work any harder.
“Playing for Australia is a privilege and that’s my inspiration; taking pride in your performance.”
Cronk is no stranger to the halves understudy role himself, having played six Tests off the bench behind Darren Lockyer from 2009 to 2011.
He learned plenty during that period and hopes Cherry-Evans will derive similar benefits from the World Cup campaign.
“I’m more than happy to share my knowledge and what I know about the game and pass on to him,” Cronk said.
“I welcome him in the team because he’s a great contributor and he’s a great part of the side.”
Cronk has a near-flawless record in the green and gold with only one of his 20 Test appearances ending in defeat – a 16-12 loss to the Kiwis in the 2010 Four Nations final.
The playmaker says he will get to live a boyhood dream when he runs out at Old Trafford in front of an expected crowd of 75,000.
“The thing for me is that it is the two best teams in the world, playing at an iconic sporting venue of the world and playing for a very important trophy,” Cronk said.
“It doesn’t get much better than that.”