From Doubts to Dominance: Angus Crichton’s Remarkable NRL Comeback
In 2023, the whispers were loud and persistent: Angus Crichton’s NRL career was over. Yet, beneath the surface of external doubt, Crichton harboured a quiet conviction. He always believed he would return to the field, a belief that imbues Friday night’s landmark 200th NRL game against his former club, the Rabbitohs, with profound significance.
The Sydney Roosters star will chalk up his milestone at Allianz Stadium, a venue that has witnessed countless dramas in the storied ‘Book of Feuds’. However, this particular chapter holds a special resonance for Crichton, who readily attributes his return to the unwavering support of his wife, Chloe, and his broader family circle.
While Crichton tasted premiership glory in his inaugural season with the Roosters in 2019, it was a subsequent triumph on the international stage, at the World Cup, that presented him with the most formidable challenge of his professional life.
Following the tournament, Crichton candidly shared his experience of a severe manic episode suffered overseas. This period led to his diagnosis with bipolar disorder and necessitated time spent in an institution. Throughout this arduous journey, the Roosters provided Crichton with the time and space he needed to recuperate and return on his own terms. Remarkably, just twelve months after his playing future was questioned, Crichton has re-emerged as arguably the world’s premier edge forward in 2024.
“A lot of people were talking like that,” Crichton acknowledged, reflecting on the widespread uncertainty surrounding his career. “I remember around 2023, a lot of people were saying that I wouldn’t play NRL again, and people were questioning whether I’d play sport again, so I think a lot of people did doubt it. But I think deep down I knew that was never an option for me.”
He elaborated on the crucial support system that underpinned his recovery. “I’ve got such a great support system around me and such a special group of people that I’m so lucky to call my friends and family, so I definitely leant on them through those times. But to be honest, I think it was the making of myself. I learnt a lot about myself and a lot about who I am and what I’m capable of and also the strength of my friends and my family, so I’m very blessed.”
Resilience as the Bedrock of Recovery
Resilience emerged as a paramount factor in Crichton’s ability to navigate that challenging period. He expressed immense gratitude for his wife, who served as his emotional anchor.
“I think just the grit, the grit that I had to show to make sure I’m back here and also the people that I needed to lean on,” Crichton stated. The couple is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child in the coming weeks.
“I walked out of that with stronger relationships, even though it was a really sh*tty time for myself and my family, and I put a lot of pressure on myself and my friendships, relationships, and people around me. I think through that it grew stronger. And like I was saying, my wife, she’s an absolute star and she pulled me out of the embers and I owe a lot to her for sure.”
He continued, highlighting the depth of his appreciation for Chloe. “She owed me nothing when I met her, and then I sort of fell into that place and she was there every step of the way, and I think that’s sort of fast-tracked our relationship a bit and fast-tracked the respect and appreciation I have for her. I guess it’s hard to find real people in this world and I’m very blessed to have such a great group of people around me, a great team here at the Roosters, and to be blessed in such an incredible organisation like this.”
“So big shout out to my beautiful wife Chloe at home, expecting the birth of our first son at the end of the month.”
“She’s been unbelievable through this whole sort of pregnancy, but also she came into my life at quite a turbulent time for myself personally and she sort of saw me at my worst and helped pick me up. And I guess she’s probably only been around really for a quarter of the games, but I reckon probably some of my best moments and some of my proudest achievements have been with her by my side.”
A Fond Farewell to the Tricolours
Crichton feels a sense of poetic justice that his 200th game milestone will be against the club where he made his NRL debut in 2016. His move to the Roosters in 2019 marked a significant turning point, and he remains deeply appreciative of the opportunities and support the club has provided.
“I’ve sort of grown up here,” Crichton remarked, ahead of his anticipated code switch to rugby next year. “I’ve made mistakes here, I’ve been supported and guided. I’ve learned lessons and grown up as a person, a man, and as a player. And like I was saying, I’ve met incredible friends and made incredible memories that will last me forever here, and it’ll always hold a very special place in my heart.”
