Angus Crichton breaks silence on NRL future after Roosters' failed signing of David Fifita

Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton says he is unsure where he will play footy in 2025 after admitting that no progress has been made on a new Roosters deal. Crichton created headlines earlier this month when he hit out at his side for keeping him in the dark about pursuing Titans star David Fifita, but insists he has moved on and is not holding a grudge.

At the time Crichton said he would not play second fiddle to Fifita and that Roosters coach Trent Robinson knew where to find him if he cared to explain the situation. But Fifita shocked the NRL world by backflipping on his decision to leave the Gold Coast at the end of the season, instead activating a two-year option at the Titans, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2026.

The Roosters' failed attempt to lure Fifita created an extra problem for the Tri Colours as it showed their desire to sign a player who plays the same position as Crichton - left back row. Crichton is off contract at the end of 2024 and his future beyond this year remains unclear, with Crichton confirming there have been no further discussions between him and the club.

"It's a funny one. I think at the start of the year I think they were looking to the future and I don't think they were keen to re-sign me," Crichton said. "Then obviously I'm playing good footy now they're keen to re-sign me again.

"So I can't be upset with the club for trying to look after the club and sort out a position that they didn't know was going to be taken. It's a business, and it's not personal. That's recruitment, I think it's just how it is."

Angus Crichton admits to feeling hurt by David Fifita pursuit

Crichton said following the news of the Roosters' pursuit of Fifita breaking, he felt hurt and spoke out from the heart about it. But since then the Roosters back-rower says he has moved on and no longer has any hard feelings for the club.

"It was a bit of a build-up. I just said it how it was and spoke from the heart," he said. "But there's definitely no love lost there for the club. The club's given me so much. The team, coaches and players there, I've got such a deep love for all those guys and the club itself."

Angus Crichton's future beyond 2024 still unclear

AAP reports multiple clubs have been in contact with Crichton's management about the second-rower's services next year, while both French and Japanese rugby clubs remain interested in Crichton. His management met with Roosters supremo Nick Politis in the past week but a deal is reportedly no closer to being done.

And Crichton admits he is still undecided about what he wants to do beyond this season. "My manager has spoken with Nick and they're trying to figure something out. I'm not going to rush it," he said.

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"I love the NRL and this sport has given me my whole life as an adult. I'm so grateful that I made the decision to come across and playing in big games like (Origin) is why you play. But I don't think there's a massive rush for me to make any decisions quickly. I'll sit back and see what comes across and make a decision."

with AAP