Angus Crichton knows what position he will play in rugby. He could be next to Joseph Suaalii

1 month ago 19

Angus Crichton says he will play as an inside centre when he makes the switch to rugby – and Waratahs coach Dan McKellar is entertaining the prospect of Crichton linking with former Sydney Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in a powerhouse midfield unit next year.

Crichton signed a two-year $1.6m deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs on Wednesday, and was relieved to have sorted his future so he could focus on trying to win a second NRL premiership with the Roosters.

One of the main talking points is where Crichton will play, but the former Australian Schoolboys representative said inside centre was the only position that had been discussed during negotiations.

“I think they’re looking at me to play No.12 [inside centre], it’s the most natural progression, and I should be able to have an impact on games in that position,” he said.

“I’ve always loved playing the game, and there’s a physical side I can bring to that position.”

McKellar said No.12 was the position for Crichton, and the game only had to look back a few years to appreciate that league back-rowers were best suited to the midfield, not the forwards.

Angus Crichton is being groomed to play No. 12 when he makes the switch to rugby.

“The last thing you have to learn from other guys who have come across, Sam Burgess is the obvious one who was the last league back-rower, they played him a bit in the back row, a little bit at centre, and for me, that’s just setting them up for failure,” McKellar said.

“I see Angus as a No. 12. Could he play No. 13? Potentially.

“But a No. 12, it’s similar in terms of the role he’s used to in rugby league, it’s a very important position defensively, and he’s got the ability to dominate collisions on both sides of the ball.

“I think that’s what he’ll be focusing on.”

Angus Crichton at a Roosters training session at Bondi beach on Tuesday.

Crichton was excited to be playing alongside Suaalii again, and McKellar said there was no reason they could not form a strong combination in the centres.

“Angus and Suaalii, it’s a pretty physical and big centre pairing,” said McKellar, as the Waratahs trained on a humid morning in Mudgee.

“That’s the nature of the game in rugby at the moment. People underestimate the size of some of the centres getting around. They’re big men.

“It’s not out of the ordinary to be playing against a No. 12 and No. 13 who are both 110kg.

“If Angus wants to play No. 12, Joseph has played No.13 mainly for the Wallabies, and a bit of No. 15 for us last year, so we’ll see.

“What I see in Angus is an incredibly powerful, physical and really good professional who will help young players – he’ll be a great example setter for young players in our academy who are coming through our system – we want genuine leaders of men, and Angus is certainly that.

“He was always adamant he didn’t want to muck around [with his decision], he wanted to have full focus on the Roosters – his admiration and respect for the Roosters was obvious – he’s made the decision now, and he can get on with trying to win a comp with the Roosters.”

Crichton confided in his close circle, including two of his best friends, Jack Maddocks and Sione Tuipulotu, who play professionally in France and Scotland, respectively, about the switch.

He joins Suaalii and another Rooster, Mark Nawaqanitawase, who will also return to rugby at season’s end.

Crichton remains undecided about the end of 2026, and whether he makes himself available for the Kangaroos for the rugby league World Cup in Australia or turns his attention to making the Wallabies’ spring tour of Europe in the hope of fast-tracking his rugby development.

“I haven’t had any of those discussions, so we’ll see what happens,” Crichton said.

“I’m focused on this season. Even having this chat now, it feels weird talking about something so far down the track.

“Out of respect to my club, teammates and everyone involved, I wanted to make this decision now. To be honest, this is probably the last time I’ll talk about the move.

“I want to win a premiership here at the Roosters, then move on to what’s next.

“If I didn’t do it now, I was never going to do it. That was always in the back of my mind; if ever there was a time to throw my hat into the ring for something else, it was now.”

Crichton won a premiership with the Roosters in 2019, and is a big chance to bow out with a second, especially after the Bondi club recruited representative stars Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson.