What do Allan Langer and Cooper Cronk have in common?
Apart from wearing Queensland’s No.7 jersey, not much really.
In fact, few people could be more different than the party-loving Langer and the intense, bordering on eccentric, Cronk.
Yet controversial Queensland back-rower Ben Te’o has credited both with helping him through one of the toughest periods of his life.
In his first interview since news broke of a police investigation of an alleged assault of a woman in April, Te’o has revealed who has kept him focused ahead of Wednesday’s crunch State of Origin game two clash in Brisbane.
And he could not have picked two more contrasting characters.
Langer racked up 34 Origins for Queensland – including a shock 2001 match-winning return trip from England.
But he is just as well known for his underpants-wearing, table-dancing antics at a Brisbane hotel three years ago.
The closest Cronk has come to being photographed in public in his underwear is wearing Speedos at a Queensland team beach session.
Still, Te’o credited both with keeping him focused through a testing time.
“I love being around Alfie Langer. For me, he reminds me why rugby league is enjoyable and why I first started playing it,” Te’o told the QRL website.
“This is a special time in Origin, we have a very close bond.
“The most important thing is learning. I get to play with and train with some of the best players in the world.”
And right at the top of the list is Cronk, according to Te’o.
Even after hearing his take on his 2012 Origin III field goal that sealed seven straight series wins for Queensland.
“I didn’t feel good or bad about myself afterwards, I began to realise when we are being completely free of our own expectation, the body extends into its natural form, without impediment … and things happen,” Cronk said when asked his thoughts before landing the telling kick last year.
Cynics would have given Cronk a wide berth – but not Te’o.
“For me it would be silly not to try and pick their brain and enhance my game,” Te’o said.
“Someone I like to sit around and ask a lot of questions is Cooper Cronk. The way he gets better and better every year (is incredible).”
But perhaps the most calming influence on Te’o has been Maroons coach Mal Meninga.
“Mal definitely has an aura about him,” Te’o said.
“I respect everything he has done for the game and I just listen, when he talks I listen and try to do what he wants.”