Angus Crichton is back and ready to answer the call of New South Wales coach Brad Fittler as the Roosters backrower rebuilds his rugby league career “brick by brick”.
Crichton missed the first seven rounds of the NRL season while seeking professional help after his family went public in February with his bipolar diagnosis.
The 27-year-old returned against the Dragons on Anzac Day in a thrilling victory and now wants to string some form together before Fittler names his first squad next month.
“Obviously I missed a fair bit of footy there so it’s about building that back up brick by brick and keep working to get as fit as I can,” Crichton said.
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“I’ll just keep working on my fitness and get back to where I need to get to.
“I wasn’t at my best (against the Dragons), I know I need to do a bit of work to get back to where I need to get to but it was a good first hit out.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster coming back in and straight into Anzac game, but it’s been good.”
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Crichton plans on being back to peak match fitness in a month, which is just in time for the State of Origin opener on May 31, and revealed he’d been in frequent communication with Fittler.
“It’s just continually working on my cardio and strength. I don’t want to rush it and push myself and put crazy expectations on myself, but just chipping away at it every week,” Crichton said.
“There are some really good players putting their hand up at the minute who are in peak condition but if (Fittler) wants me to go into camp, I’ll be there for sure.
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“Yeah I’ve spoken to (Fittler) throughout the last couple of months, he’s been great, a big supporter of mine and we get on really well, we’ve got a good relationship and yeah I’ve been chatting to Freddy here and there.”
Crichton has 11 Blues caps since debuting in 2018 emphasised that if he gets the call from Fittler to play this year he’ll be ready to perform for his state.
“Yeah 100 per cent, I’ve been there a number of times and I know what’s expected and I’ll do whatever I need to do if I get picked,” he said.
“It’s a crazy time of year and I’m sure they’ll put together a good squad.”
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