Roosters contemplate being
Crockerless

Sydney Roosters face an uphill battle retaining Maroon State of Origin forward Michael Crocker with at least three rival NRL clubs chasing his signature for next season.

Crocker has activated a clause in his contract that has allowed the 24-year-old to negotiate with other clubs, despite being under contract to the Roosters until the end of 2006.

"I've spoken to three clubs this afternoon. I don't think I'll have any trouble (finding him another club)," Crocker's manager Jim Banaghan said today.

Crocker's future at the Roosters has been the subject of much speculation ever since he was fined $10,000 by the club in March after being charged with affray for his involvement in a fight outside an eastern suburbs' nightclub.

The Bulldogs and South Sydney are two clubs believed to be keen on signing Crocker.

"He'll be doing what's best for him and for his career," Banaghan said.

"He won't necessarily be chasing the dollar. He'll get what he's due, but he'll also take what's fair if he can go to a strong club.

"There's definitely particular clubs that he'd like to go to if he left."

Roosters coach Ricky Stuart today said Crocker's predicament represented a dilemma for the club.

"He's an important part of the team," Stuart said.

"At this stage, when you have a June 30 deadline, you're trying to keep the team happy and players are also looking after their careers.

"It's very difficult. We'll sit down and talk to Michael. It is a tough period of the year for all clubs that are going through this.

"Michael is a very important part of our team and you look at those people as a priority.

"We have to sit down and make sure that we understand what Michael wants and what we want and come to a happy medium."