Sydney Roosters: Angus Crichton opens up on contract situation as rivals are linked
Angus Crichton has opened up on his contract situation with the Sydney Roosters and says he is keen to pen a new deal with the Tricolours.
Crichton is off-contract at the end of the season and has yet to agree terms on a new one. That has kicked off speculation suggesting a move away is on the cards. NRL rivals the Wests Tigers are thought to be monitoring the situation.
There is also talk of a switch to rugby union. However Crichton says his sole intention is to stay with the Roosters. He joined the club from South Sydney in 2019 and has made over 70 appearances.
The 26-year-old looked to have signed a contract extension earlier in the year. However it was not approved by the NRL due to reported salary cap concerns. Crichton has been in limbo ever since.
Angus Crichton wants to stay
However he wants to stay and says everything is being done to hammer out fresh terms. Crichton was speaking after Saturday’s 36-16 win over the Cronulla Sharks.
“I clearly want to stay at the club. That’s my number one option and what I’m trying to push towards,” he told reporters.
“It (the speculation) is frustrating, but you’ve just got to do your best to try to block it out and try to focus on the task at hand. It does get hard and you try to not buy into it, and I’m doing that the best I can. I clearly want to stay here and that’s what I’m working towards.
“We’re trying to work towards that (a new deal), myself and my agent, and hopefully we’ll have something sorted soon.”
Sam Walker combination
Crichton’s return to form could also boost his chances of a new deal. After an indifferent start to the 2022 campaign he is now settled in Trent Robinson’s side. He is playing on the left edge, outside Sam Walker, and is enjoying himself. The combination is working well and the Chooks will be hoping long may it continue.
“I’m just suited over there,” he said of his positional switch. “Playing alongside Sammy, we’ve got a great friendship and a good relationship and I’m keen on building that moving forward. He feels like a little brother to me so I go out there and try to look after him and help him get through.”
Now Crichton is waiting to see if he gets the State of Origin nod. Brad Fittler names his New South Wales list on Sunday evening. Crichton has nine NSW appearances and hopes to add to them.