Roosters backrower Angus Crichton has ended speculation about his future, signing a two-year contract extension with the club.
Crichton had been linked with a move to NRL rivals or even a code-switch to rugby but he'll now remain at the Tricolours until at least the end of 2026.
It caps off a dramatic return to form for the 28-year-old, who has re-emerged as one of the competition's best edge forwards over the past few months.
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Angus Crichton signs two-year contract extension
The Roosters will be relieved to have Crichton's new contract filed away after David Fifita's dramatic backflip earlier this year.
Fifita had signed a four-year deal worth a reported $3.3 million, before a change of heart saw him stick with the Titans.
The chaos surrounding the failed move for Fifita coincided with some of the best football of Crichton's career, seeing him win back his New South Wales jersey and convince the Roosters that they already had their strike weapon in the second row.
“I’m incredibly proud to continue my journey with the Sydney Roosters,” said Crichton.
“This team is like family to me, and so are the people within the club. There’s honestly nowhere else I’d rather be.
“I feel like I still have so much more to give, and I’m committed to continuing to bring my best and to playing my role for the team.”
It's been a rollercoaster few years for Crichton, who last year took an extended break away from the game as he attended to his mental health, with his father revealing he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
He returned to play 13 games in first-grade but, amid talk of a move to join Super Rugby's Western Force, his performances weren't at the level which had previously earned him regular representative honours.
After missing selection for the opening two games this season, Crichton's form has been exemplary, crossing for seven tries and impressing with his hard-hitting defence.
Reports last month suggested Crichton's management had approached the club asking for the same contract terms which were offered to Fifita, a testament to his on-field impact so far in 2024.
“This is Angus’ sixth season as a Rooster, and he has openly spoken about what being part of this club and our community means to him,” coach Trent Robinson said.
“I really value Gus as a player, and as a person, so I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him over the next few years.”
According to the Daily Telegraph, Crichton's new deal is worth around $1.6 million over two years.
The Roosters will now turn their attention to young halfback Sam Walker, who comes out of contract at the end of next season.
Amid interest from his home state of Queensland and potential expansion clubs, the Roosters are keen to lock away the in-form playmaker before November 1, after which other clubs are free to make formal offers.
Sitili Tupounia set to depart the Roosters
Crichton's new deal does however look set to spell the end of Sitili Tupouniua's time at the Roosters.
The Tongan international is contracted through to 2027 on a deal worth a reported $600,000 per season.
Following Fifita's signing, the 27-year-old was given permission to look elsewhere, although the uncertainty about Crichton's future meant he may yet have been required at the Roosters.
Since then, Tupouniua is believed to have met with the Bulldogs and Manly over potential moves, while the Dolphins have also been linked to the strong-running edge forward.
Could Angus Crichton still move to rugby?
Crichton will be 30 by the time his next contract ends, although the timing is curious, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil potentially still on the table should he make the switch.
If he does eventually join the 15-man code, Crichton will be following in the footsteps of current teammates Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu.
Rugby Australia were linked to a move for the former Australian Schoolboys rugby union representative in 2021.
"If he comes back, he has to come back for the right reasons, which is to play for the Wallabies in a World Cup," Aussie great Tim Horan said at the time.
The move failed to materialise, although Crichton was once again reported to have been on the verge of a move last year.
"I think if I was going to jump codes it will be in the next little bit," Crichton said in April, as reported by AAP.
"If I am going to go over and play union I don't want to go over washed up and waste anyone's time.
"If I'm going to give union a crack, I want to give it a good crack and I want to dominate that. If it's the right opportunity I'm open to it."
