The Black and Ambers have pulled of a coup by signing Beach from London Welsh and Cronk has had no hesitation in giving the former Ospreys man a key role in the squad.
Beach led Wales Sevens to their historic 2009 World Cup title and takes over as captain from former Newport Gwent Dragons tighthead prop Gethin Robinson.
At more than 16 stone, the former Pontypridd, Neath, Swansea and Maesteg man will provide plenty of beef and know-how to the Newport pack, something Cronk believes is vital.
He said: “Obviously Lee will bring a wealth of experience to the team as well as to the training field.
“He’s a really good signing and we’ve got Adam Brown too who has also joined from London Welsh.
“Their experience is vital in the pack as we’ve got a number of young, talented forwards in there who will look up to these sorts of players.
“Hopefully they can help to bring these players through.”
With pre-season preparations well underway, the serious stuff for Cronk’s men starts with a British & Irish Cup play-off away to Cross Keys on Saturday, August 31.
The winner of that game will then play Bedwas on Saturday, September 7 to see which Gwent side will compete in the competition proper.
“The British & Irish Cup is a competition we really enjoy,” added Cronk.
“We ended it well last season by beating Connacht away and we want to maintain good results and build some momentum into the league season.
“The aim is to be more competitive in the league but at the same time, it’s about bringing players through to be available for the region. It’s a balancing act but it’s one I’m sure we can achieve.
“It’s vital we get off to a good start. It tripped us up last season and we know we have to get away with a few good results this time.”
And with Beach, who helped the Ospreys to a famous 24-16 win over Australia in 2006 in their squad, Newport should have the power to do just that.
