“A remarkable comeback”: How Crichton landed a bumper deal with the Roosters

The Sydney Roosters have rewarded Angus Crichton’s excellent 2024 season with a bumper two-year contract extension reportedly worth over $1.6 million.

It has been a whirlwind 12 to 18 months for the 28-year-old who took time away from the game in 2023 to prioritise his mental health and looked to be on the way out of the Roosters following the initial signature of David Fifita.

Following Fifita’s backflip from the Roosters and a purple patch of form including a stellar performance for NSW in State of Origin Game II, Crichton will remain at the Roosters until 2026.

“What a remarkable comeback this is,” The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I remember 12 months ago when I was standing on the hill at Henson Park and I saw Crichton in the NSW Cup in a comeback game after an extended break in which he was taking care of some personal issues.

“I really didn't know where his next step was going to come from and I didn’t think it was going to be at the Roosters.

“At one stage, the Roosters were suggesting he wouldn’t be there long-term and an overseas venture was on the cards if an NRL club didn’t come knocking.

“He’s now in a rich vain of form with dominance and he’s playing with confidence.

“They were some dark periods for Angus and to see him in a brutal performance for the NSW Blues in Melbourne (proves) that it’s been a remarkable comeback.”

The extension of Crichton has come at a cost for the Roosters with opposing back rower Sitili Tupouniua agreeing to terms with the Bulldogs.

The Tongan international had three years remaining on his existing contract but has signed a four-year deal with the Bulldogs that will kick in from 2025.

David Riccio explained that the Roosters would not be chipping in any money to Tupouniua’s latest deal.

“It’s a straight takeover of the contract (from the Bulldogs),” Riccio added.

“It’s not salary cap pressure at all. It’s (poor) management of their forward pack.

“This Dogs deal will now go until 2028 and he’s a smart recruit for the Dogs.

“It’s a signing that is taking the Dogs on a trajectory that we all know where it’s headed.

“It gives the Bulldogs even more potency.”

The Roosters will host the Dragons on Sunday afternoon in Round 18 whilst the Bulldogs take on the Warriors at Accor Stadium on Saturday.