The Mole: Sydney Roosters re-sign Lachlan Lam

Lachlan Lam - the heir apparent to Cooper Cronk’s halfback throne - has given the Roosters a timely boost on the eve of the grand final by signing a new deal with the club.

Lam was expected to join his father Adrian, a former Roosters and Queensland State of Origin star, at Wigan in 2019.

Adrian was recently appointed coach of Wigan for next season and  the club was also keen to secure Lachlan - a 20-year-old Papua New Guinea international who looked good in last year’s Rugby League World Cup.

But Lam has opted to remain at the Roosters and has been earmarked to replace Cronk when he retires at the end of next season.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount over whether Cronk will play in Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne.

The star halfback suffered a painful rotator cuff injury in last weekend’s win over Souths but is desperate to play in the decider against his former club.

Cronk will be given until Saturday to prove his fitness but Wide World of Sports is hearing he is at long odds to play.