Angus Crichton says he is “in a good space” before his NRL return, which he hopes will come just in time to press his claims for a NSW jersey.
Crichton’s NRL comeback game will be the Anzac Day clash against St George Illawarra, his first match since the World Cup final. The Roosters forward had a sabbatical after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but he believes he is physically and mentally ready to resume his NRL career.
The Blues and Kangaroos back-rower said he “never” feared the diagnosis would end his career and, after a successful comeback in the NSW Cup against Newtown at Henson Park last weekend, makes his first-grade return in the biggest club game of the year.
In his first interview of the year, Crichton said the support he received ensured he felt connected to the rugby league community even while on the sidelines.
“I don’t think you’re ever away from the game,” Crichton told The Sun-Herald.
“I’ve had great support around me because of the game to some extent. I’ve been back training for a while now and around the team. Last weekend, being back on the field felt like home and I’m just going to focus forward on the upcoming game … I’m in a good space, excited for Tuesday.”
Angus Crichton says he is in a good headspace ahead of his return.Credit: Getty
Crichton has been a regular at representative level. The 27-year-old was part of the victorious Kangaroos team in last year’s World Cup final and has represented NSW on 11 occasions. His return, which has come sooner than many expected, will give him five games to prove to Brad Fittler he should retain his NSW jersey.
“I’ll do my job for the Roosters and then that decision is with Freddy but, obviously, I relish playing Origin footy and good club form leads to selection,” Crichton said.
Angus Crichton has made 11 NSW appearances.Credit: NRL Photos
Crichton said he felt privileged to make his return in time to play in the traditional Anzac Day fixture.
“It’s a big weekend for the whole game,” Crichton said. “The Anzac round is up there with playing finals football and Origin. It’s one of the most treasured games for me personally, so it’s exciting to be returning and running out with the boys on Anzac Day.”
Crichton said he was grateful for the support he had received during his time away from the game.
“Too many people to mention individually, but they all know who they are,” he said. “Also, the support from the rugby league community as a whole has been humbling.
“I’ve had past and current players all reach out as well as plenty of people within the greater rugby league community. One of the amazing things about the game is how we look after our own.”
Roosters playmaker Luke Keary was excited to play alongside Crichton again and predicted he would make a compelling case for Origin selection.
‘I’ve had great support around … I’m in a good space.’
Angus Crichton
“Obviously, he’s done the job for them for a lot of years,” Keary said. “I’m sure his name will be there.
“He’s got to get back with us and show that he’s ready to play Origin, is ready to play 80 minutes again. It’s gonna take him a little bit to get that conditioning, but I see no reason why he wouldn’t be there or thereabouts.”
The Roosters have lost their past two games and skipper James Tedesco said Crichton’s return was a timely boost.
“Massive in,” Tedesco said. “It is a real credit to him – he missed the start of the year. He got through 80 minutes on the weekend, which was big for him. Now he has come back into the team. He will add a lot to our team – he is a Test and Origin player. It is good for him to be back.
“I think he just wanted to be back with the boys, that really helped him. It was hurting him not being around the club and the team. He just wanted to be around us. Since he has been back, he has been in great spirits, he is back to himself. It is great to have him back, he is a quality person and player.”
Asked if he had always been confident of Crichton’s return to the NRL, Tedesco said: “I was always confident, and most boys were. He had to go through what he had to do to get himself on the right path. It was probably a bit sooner than I thought. But it is a credit to him the way he has handled everything.”
