Roosters star Angus Crichton is reportedly set to follow teammate Joseph Suaalii and make a shock cross-code switch to join rugby union.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Rugby Australia have been negotiating his potential switch for several weeks.
The 27-year-old previously played Australian Schoolboys rugby, coming through the Scots College system where he won a GPS title in 2013.
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Crichton remains contracted until the end of 2024 and the Roosters are reportedly keen to extend his contract.
Crichton’s manager David Rawlings has reportedly been transparent with club powerbrokers regarding the potential move.
Roosters officials were reportedly incredible impressed with the backrower during his battle with bipolar, having been diagnosed after returning from last year’s world cup.
It remains unclear what Crichton will earn by making the switch to the 15-man code, and he can negotiate with NRL rivals come November 1.
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Meanwhile, the Roosters also face a huge battle to keep a number of star players including Luke Keary, Joey Manu, Brandon Smith, Nat Butcher, Siua Wong, Naufau Whyte and Terrell May.
The group all come off-contract after the season’s end, with Smith being free to negotiate for the 2025 season due to a player option in his contract.
These players, including Crichton, make up a staggering $5 million of the Roosters cap, while Suaalii will also depart the club at the end of 2024.
News Corp is reporting an NRL rival are sharpening their pencil with a bid for Butcher’s services, while Manu’s signature is a priority for the Tricolours.
He has previously been named as a target of Shane Flanagan who is in the midst of rebuilding the Dragons ahead of his arrival in 2024.
