It's the master versus the apprentice in Sunday's NRL grand final and young Melbourne halfback Brodie Croft can't wait.
With Cooper Cronk's Sydney Roosters winning through to the title decider at ANZ Stadium, Croft will likely get his first chance to take on the player he replaced at the Storm after 14 seasons.
However, Cronk suffered a serious shoulder injury in the Tri-colours' preliminary final win over South Sydney putting him in some doubt.
Croft missed the round 16 clash at Adelaide Oval, which Melbourne won 9-8, with Jahrome Hughes preferred in the Storm No.7 jersey.
With just 16 NRL games under his belt and lining up for his first grand final, his experience is dwarfed by Cronk's 348 games and seven grand finals, which includes last year's victory with the Storm.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
But Croft is up for the challenge.
"I haven't thought too far ahead but certainly that will be a mouth-watering contest," he said of taking on Cronk.
"He was my childhood hero as a halfback and all the qualities that he goes by, he's a role model for all us halfbacks coming up through the grades."
The 21-year-old Croft spent two years under Cronk's tutelage before his departure to Bondi and said that the former Test and Queensland Origin star had helped shape his game.
"When he was here in the team I would study him and everything he would do and picked out things that I've tried to incorporate in my game," Croft told AAP.
"I'm still learning and I've got a long way to go to get anywhere near the player that he is but I'm happy where I am at the moment."
While the Storm are backing Croft as they attempt to win back-to-back premierships, he's had a rollercoaster season.
He was given first crack at replacing Cronk but was dumped after five rounds as Melbourne trialled Ryley Jacks and then Hughes.
Croft didn't return to role on a permanent basis until round 23.
Croft said that even with Cronk now playing in Sydney he had a phone call offering advice and support to help him regain the position.
"He got in contact with me and that was massive," Croft said.
"It meant a lot to hear some words of advice, to hear that from someone who I've really looked up to.
"He gave me some advice.
"He told me to stick to my guns and get back to enjoying football, and I certainly am."
