Angus Crichton heard all the whispers back in 2023 that he’d never play in the NRL again.
But deep down he always knew he’d get back, which is what makes Friday night’s milestone against his former side the Rabbitohs even more special.
The Roosters star will play NRL game 200 at Allianz Stadium in what will be the latest chapter in the Book of Feuds, but this one will hold extra meaning for Crichton, who thanked his wife, Chloe, and the rest of his family for helping him get here.
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The representative forward won a title in his first year with the Roosters in 2019, but it was another major victory at the World Cup a few years later where he faced the biggest challenge of his career.
Crichton has spoken openly about the manic episode he suffered overseas after the tournament.
He spent time in an institution and it led to him to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The Roosters gave him all the time he needed to return when he was comfortable, with Crichton developing into the best edge forward in the world in 2024 just 12 months after people questioned whether he would play again.
“A lot of people were talking like that,” he said.
“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.
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Angus Crichton starred at the 2022 World Cup. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“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.”
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Resilience was one of the big things that helped him through that period, with Crichton thanking his wife for being the emotional rock he needed.
“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,” he said, with the couple expecting a child in the coming weeks.
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Crichton thanked his wife Chloe for helping him off the field.Source: Supplied
“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.
“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.
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“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.
Crichton will play NRL game 200 on Friday night. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“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.”
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Crichton said it was only fitting that he would bring up his milestone against the club he debuted with back in 2016, with the back-rower grateful for everything the Roosters have given him since he made the big move in 2019.
“I’ve sort of grown up here,” he said before he switches to rugby next year.
Angus Crichton during his debut season with the Rabbitohs.Source: AAP
“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.”
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