COOPER Cronk played the 2018 NRL grand final with a staggering 15cm break in his left shoulder.

The injury was likened to that of a car-crash victim by Sydney Roosters doctor Ameer Ibrahim and had the legendary No.7 in huge doubt to run out at ANZ Stadium.

But some tough love from Cronk’s wife, Fox Sports presenter Tara Rushton, convinced the 34-year-old to take the field.

“I have to give my wife a fair bit of credit,” Cronk said after the game.

“She basically told me ‘what are you carrying on about, you’ve been given a chance to play in a grand final, suck it up’.”

“I basically took that advice and did it.”

Rushton posted a photo on Instagram of the pair embracing in the sheds after the game, calling the Roosters playmaker her “hero”.