Kevin Walters has revealed he would have no qualms picking Angus Crichton for the Rugby League World Cup at the end of 2026, despite the fact he’ll leave the NRL and head to rugby just weeks after. Crichton will join Roosters and Test teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase in switching to the 15-man code in 2027 with an eye to playing the Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Crichton and Nawaqanitawase will see out their NRL deals with the Roosters in 2026, before linking up with the NSW Waratahs and Japanese rugby respectively. The fact they’re leaving the NRL at season’s end will create a dilemma for rep coaches in 2026.
Kevin Walters (L) wouldn’t have a problem picking Angus Crichton (far right) for the Kangaroos in 2026. Image: Getty
NSW coach Laurie Daley and Kangaroos mentor Walters will need to decide whether to pick Crichton and Nawaqanitawase for Origin and the World Cup. The obvious concerns for Walters will be whether the star Roosters duo have their minds elsewhere and can give 100 per cent to the Kangaroos.
Walters, who is yet to be confirmed as Kangaroos coach for the World Cup, was asked this week whether he’d have any issues picking Crichton. And the coach was adamant he’ll pick the 11-Test player if the decision comes down to him.
“He was a huge part of the Ashes (Australia’s 3-0 win over England last year),” Walters said on the ‘Inside Ball’ podcast. “It won’t affect his ability to be selected for Australia I wouldn’t have thought.
“That’s not to say he will be selected but he was in our top four or five players over there (in England). And he’s a real leader of men. You don’t have to worry about him. He trains well, prepares well. The ultimate professional.”
Will Mark Nawaqanitawase play State of Origin?
Crichton and Nawaqanitawase were both part of Walters’ team that beat England 3-0. Crichton has been a starting player for both NSW and Australia for a number of years, and although Nawaqanitawase missed Origin selection in 2025 he’ll come into calculations this year.
Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton were both part of the Kangaroos team that won the Ashes 3-0. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
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Complicating things for Nawaqanitawase in Origin is that he’ll have Brian To’o to contend with. To’o plays for Samoa at international level (which opens a wing spot for Australia), but is one of the first picked for NSW every year.
Nawaqanitawase could take the spot vacated by Zac Lomax’s decision to quit the NRL, although the former Dragons and Eels winger is trying to join the Melbourne Storm for 2026. If Lomax does make a return to the NRL, Daley and Walters will both have a tricky call as to whether they pick him or go with the likes of Nawaqanitawase or Jacob Kiraz.