The Sydney Roosters are once again being tipped to make a play for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after Angus Crichton joined Mark Nawaqanitawase in quitting the NRL. The Daily Telegraph is reporting that NSW and Kangaroos star Crichton has signed a one-year deal to join the NSW Waratahs in 2027 with an eye to playing for the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup.
It was revealed on Monday that Nawaqanitawase is joining a top Japanese rugby club once his deal with the Roosters expires at the end of 2026. Crichton and Nawaqanitawase both played for the Kangaroos in last year’s Ashes series against England, and Nawaqanitawase is a huge chance of playing Origin for NSW this year.
Trent Robinson (L) and the Sydney Roosters could go after Tino Fa’asuamaleaui with Kangaroos teammates Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase (R) both leaving the NRL. Image: Getty
Crichton played rugby at schoolboy level and is set to join Nawaqanitawase and Joseph Suaalii in heading back to the 15-player code. The double departure is a huge blow for the Sydney Roosters, with Crichton an 11-Test player who’s also represented the Blues in 17 Origin games.
The second-rower was named Wally Lewis medallist as player of the Origin series in 2024. He’s played 143 games for the Roosters after switching from South Sydney in 2019.
Angus Crichton is heading to rugby at the end of 2026. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
The Kangaroos will lose both Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
(David Greaves/Focus Images Ltd/S)Could the Roosters make a play for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui?
But the departure of Crichton and Nawaqanitawase will give the Roosters some cash to splash on replacements. And they’re once again being linked to Queensland and Kangaroos star Fa’asuamaleaui.
The Origin and Test front-rower is contracted to the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2033, but has a number of clauses in his deal that allow him to leave. One of the clauses makes him a ‘free agent’ as of right now, and he’s free to sign with a rival club for 2027.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is free to leave the Gold Coast Titans at the end of 2026. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)
The Sydney Morning Herald reported in December that rival clubs believe the Roosters are preparing to go all-in for Fa’asuamaleaui. He’s also been linked to a return to the Melbourne Storm after he started his career there under Craig Bellamy.
Fa’asuamaleaui’s father actually played for the Roosters, but the Queenslander has continually stated he wants to give new Titans coach Josh Hannay a chance. On Wednesday, speculation was rife as to what Crichton’s departure means for Fa’asuamaleaui.
The Roosters also have Daly Cherry-Evans, Siua Wong and Daniel Tupou coming off contract at the end of 2026. However they’ve signed Reuben Garrick from the Sea Eagles for 2027, and have brought in Origin hooker Reece Robson for this season.