NRL

Veteran Roosters forward Angus Crichton says there’s only one way he wants to end his time with the Tricolours before his high-profile switch to rugby union in 2027.

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After fearing he may have already played his final game for the club after suffering a serious stress fracture in his foot back in Round 15, the 30-year-old returned in the 46-10 win over the Sharks and is set to continue the same impact bench role in Friday night’s preliminary final against the Dolphins.

“I’ve been in this club for eight years now,” Crichton told the media at Allianz Stadium on Monday.

“I love this club, I love the boys, I’m so determined to come back and be part of this.”

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“There were definitely dark times and tough days, but you’ve got to dust yourself off and get on with the job ahead,” he explained, acknowledging coach Trent Robinson will likely keep using him off the bench after 12 weeks out of the lineup.

“I’m down to do that… whatever the team needs to win, that’s what I want to do.

“Playing that kamikaze role off the bench I thought I’d be able to deliver, especially when the adrenaline hits… it was just about bringing the energy.”

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‘There’s only one way I want to leave this club’

Crichton knows very well the level of expectation at the Roosters is high and wants to leave on the best possible note along with fellow departing stars Mark Nawaqanitawase and Daly Cherry-Evans, particularly given the club hasn’t featured in an NRL grand final since 2019.

“There’s only one way I want to leave this club… it’s been a long time since we’ve done much at the Roosters,” Crichton said. 

“I’ve had success with the Kangaroos, had success with the Blues, that’s all great but the Roosters are my brothers and that’s where our bread is buttered.

“This club deserves success and it demands success.”

Crichton has played 157 games for the Roosters since joining from arch rivals South Sydney in 2019.

Next year he will link with current Roosters assistant Michael Cheika in Super Rugby with the NSW Waratahs, with the ultimate goal of making the Wallabies squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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