Angus Crichton has stated he doesn’t want to spend 2025 behind David Fifita, challenging the Sydney Roosters to clarify his future at the club. Crichton, off contract at the end of the season, described the Roosters’ decision to sign Fifita as ‘interesting,’ expressing uncertainty about the club’s direction.
At 28, Crichton is unsure if he and Fifita, both left-side second-rowers, can coexist on the same team. Crichton has previously considered moving to Europe for rugby union, and Penrith inquired about him earlier this month. However, he emphasized he won’t play second fiddle at the Roosters and prefers to stay on the left edge.
“I don’t want to be sitting behind anyone,” Crichton said. “If there’s an opportunity that makes sense elsewhere, then I’ll definitely look at it. I’m not going to rush it, especially with the Fifita stuff that’s come out now. That’s a good enough reason for me to take my time and make smart decisions.”
Initially sent to reserve grade this year, Crichton has emerged as a top contender for NSW State of Origin, being one of the best second-rowers recently. Roosters coach Trent Robinson acknowledged on Saturday that Fifita’s deal complicates retaining Crichton but maintained that the door isn’t closed.
Fifita, who previously played on the right at the Titans, was supposed to start last year there before Beau Fermor’s season-ending injury. However, Crichton said he hasn’t heard from the club about what Fifita’s arrival means for him.
“I probably won’t go looking for him (Robinson), but if he wants to talk to me, he knows where to find me,” Crichton said. “It does make you question where their head’s at. No one’s talked to me, which is funny. Last I heard, they were keen (to re-sign me), but then obviously that (Fifita news) comes out. It’s an interesting one and something I’ll have to monitor. All I can do is play good footy and keep putting my hand up to be there on the left. No one’s talked to me, and I’m not sure if they will.”
Penrith remains an option for Crichton, with their star halfback, Nathan Cleary, liking a post suggesting Crichton could switch to rugby union.
