Sydney Roosters star back-rower Angus Crichton has shot down suggestions he signed a one-year deal to leave a door open to switch to Rugby in time for the 2023 World Cup in France.
Sydney Roosters star back-rower Angus Crichton has shot down suggestions he signed a one-year deal to leave a door open to switch to Rugby in time for the 2023 World Cup in France.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Crichton decided to opt for a short-term deal in a bid to help ease salary cap pressure at the Roosters, rather than positioning himself for a code switch.
“Rugby has nothing to do with this one-year deal, and I’m not thinking about that World Cup at all,” Crichton said.
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“My best mate Jack Maddocks plays for the Waratahs and I’m still a big fan of rugby, but right now I’m loving my time at the Roosters, I love rugby league and there’s so much more I want to do at the Roosters and in the NRL.
“I’ve agreed to terms with the Roosters and I’m really excited to be staying at the club.
“I’m actually really keen to stay long term, this time around this is where we got to [with negotiations], but I’m happy to sign that.
“I know what I can bring to the team. The Roosters is where I want to be. They know that.”
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Crichton has a history in the 15-man code having represented Scots College and the Australian Schoolboys in rugby union.
The 25-year-old has scored 19 tries in 101 games for the Rabbitohs and Roosters in six seasons since his debut in 2016.
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He has also represented the NSW Blues in seven Origins from 2018 to 2020 and was named in the honorary Kangaroos side last season after the international schedule was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Crichton no doubt has his sights set on a first cap for his country in rugby league when the International game resumes as well as another premiership with the Roosters and reclaiming the Origin Shield after Queensland’s upset victory last year.