Trent Robinson in staggering admission about Angus Crichton turnaround after Origin heroics

There's not much left in rugby league that could shock Trent Robinson but the veteran Roosters coach says he's never seen anything like the incredible career revival of Angus Crichton. The Roosters back-rower's future in the NRL looked all but over after a well documented health battle in 2023 and widespread reports he was set to switch codes and join rugby union.

The 28-year-old started the current season in reserve grade and was reportedly told by Roosters officials that he wouldn't be re-signed from 2025. What has transpired in the months since has been one of the most remarkable NRL turnarounds in recent memory that culminated in Crichton winning the Wally Lewis Medal as the best player in the State of Origin series.

Crichton was strong in Game 1 for the 12-man Blues but went to another level in Games 2 and 3 with his tireless and brutal defence and menacing left edge link-up play. Crichton tormented the Maroons and was arguably the most consistent performer for the Blues as they stopped Billy Slater's Queensland side winning a third straight Origin shield.

It continued an extraordinary run of form for the Roosters star, who has emerged as the form back-rower in the competition for the high-flying Chooks. What's more incredible is that Crichton's Roosters career appeared to be at a crossroads when the club was on the verge of signing rival edge forward David Fifita from the Titans earlier this season. Crichton admitted at the time that he may have to explore other options before Fifita backflipped on the move and Crichton agreed an extension to remain at the club.

Trent Robinson hails 'amazing' Angus Crichton turnaround

Speaking about the incredible journey that Crichton has been on over the last 12 months and his exceptional performance for the Blues in their Origin series win, Roosters coach Robinson admitted he'd never seen anything like it. "[I have] never experienced that, from last year to this year," the Roosters coach said about Crichton's incredible turnaround in form.

"Obviously going through that, it's a credit to himself and also a really good story for a lot of people who have gone through those and what you are capable of. Angus has shown that he can rise to the challenge and get himself back to the best version of himself and then also perform at the highest level.

"It was amazing. He was physical, brutal and combative there with (Daly) Cherry-Evans, it was a good contest. He gets rewarded for just being his brutal self in those three games and I was really proud to see him get the Wally Lewis Medal. It's such an amazing story and a good lesson for millions of people who have gone through mental health issues at some point, and having the belief and confidence to get back to their best version and more."

Michael Maguire warns Angus Crichton can get even better

NSW coach Michael Maguire was also full of admiration for Crichton after the Blues' Origin series triumph and even warned rival NRL clubs that the Roosters star can go to another level this season. "He's enormous... he is getting better and better now," Maguire said about a man he knows well after their time together at the Rabbitohs.

"I guess it just goes to show in life, you can face a bit of adversity, but he's a great example of a player that went back and rebuilt. I have a bit of history with Gussy over the years with where he's come through and I've known him quite well. He's at the best of his game at the moment, but he is getting better."

RELATED:

• Reynolds in shock return as Broncos handed Walsh and Patrick boost

• Cooper Cronk call backfires brutally as QLD great turns on Billy Slater

Thankfully for Maguire and the Blues, Crichton's Origin decider did not end in disaster when he tried to tackle Reece Walsh and copped an accidental elbow from the Maroons fullback early in the first half. Crichton had to leave the field but passed his HIA and returned to play a starring role, despite initially thinking he'd suffered a serious neck injury.

"I almost broke my neck, it was pretty sore," Crichton told The Sydney Morning Herald. "My head was fine, and I didn't have a concussion at all, but I crunched my neck pretty badly. At the time I thought I had properly injured it. I came in and did all the tests, got some deep heat in there, and I was alright."