Kangaroos enforcer Angus Crichton “always knew” he would be back in the green and gold jumper, even when it looked like his NRL career was over.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed an incredible career revival this season, going from reserve grade to earning the Wally Lewis Medal in NSW’s triumph in the State of Origin series.
Crichton also starred for the Roosters as they narrowly missed out on a grand final berth, before capping off his campaign with selection in the Australian squad.
Speaking to media ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with the Kiwis, the star back-rower was quizzed about his rise back to international football and explained why he wouldn’t be looking back on the 2024 season just yet.
“To be honest, I always had belief and I always knew that I’d be back,” Crichton said.
Angus Crichton during Kangaroos training. Getty
“It was all about working hard and taking the opportunities when you get them. I didn’t have any doubt that I’d be back here for sure.
“A lot of hard work went into it, so I won’t reflect too much just yet – I will wait for hopefully in a couple of weeks’ time.
“I’m proud of myself and thankful to my friends and family that helped me get back here. You forget how much happiness and pride you can bring them.”
Before this year’s tournament, the last time Crichton pulled on the Aussie kit was at the 2022 World Cup in the UK – but soon after that, his world was turned upside down.
While holidaying overseas, Crichton was admitted to a mental health facility, but after a tough 2023 campaign with the Roosters, he’s climbed his way back to the top.
Asked what advice he would give to those in a similar position, Crichton sent a timely reminder that male athletes sometimes needed to put their ego aside.
“Don’t be too proud,” he said.
“As men, as athletes and as footy players, we can often be too proud to seek help or look like you’re weak or struggling.
Crichton opens on mental health battle
“Sometimes it can be the strongest thing, to accept that you’re probably not where you need to be and get the help you need.
“Once you do that, the people will respond and react differently to how you built it up.”
On the field, Crichton started on the edge in last weekend’s 18-0 win over Tonga, but he says he won’t be satisfied until he rectifies the way his club team bowed out.
“I’m definitely keen to try and find another gear in these next two games,” he said.
“That feeling we [the Roosters] had after that semi, I don’t want it again, so I’ll be doing everything to make sure that we’re not feeling like that in two weeks.”
