With their forward stocks running thin, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have reportedly expressed keen interest in signing Angus Crichton, asking his management to keep them updated on his contract negotiations.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Bulldogs are aggressively pursuing the 27-year-old backrower, who has been in impressive form since rejoining the Roosters’ starting lineup. Crichton currently lacks a contract for the 2025 season. His manager, David Rawlings, was recently seen meeting with Bulldogs’ Phil Gould and recruitment manager Peter Sharp at a café, adding another layer of speculation to his contract talks.
Gould, known for his secretive meetings, conducted this discussion publicly, indicating the Bulldogs’ open intentions to lure the Origin backrower to Belmore.
Discussions reportedly went beyond Crichton, who is also negotiating with Roosters’ executives. Despite their pursuit of Titans star David Fifita, which left Crichton feeling undervalued, the Roosters remain optimistic about retaining him. They have offered a two-year contract extension, and Crichton seems eager to stay with the Roosters. While his management engages with the Bulldogs, they continue negotiations with the Bondi-based team.
Other clubs, including the Rabbitohs and Panthers, have shown interest in Crichton. However, the Panthers’ recent signing of Isaiah Papali’i might lower their chances of securing him. Rumors about Crichton moving to French rugby union after this NRL season seem unlikely given his current form and potential return to Origin.
Crichton, one of the league’s top transfer targets, is being closely watched by several teams. The Roosters have made efforts to create salary cap space to retain him by allowing Sitili Tupouniua to explore opportunities with other clubs.
The Bulldogs have strengthened significantly and continue to build their roster. While South Sydney struggles at the bottom of the NRL ladder, they will be bolstered by the return of super coach Wayne Bennett in 2025. Both the Panthers and Roosters remain strong contenders for the premiership.
For Crichton and other players on the market, there are numerous potential paths to glory available.
