Roosters move to take Crichton off market before Rugby World Cup
Just months after securing his signature, the Roosters are back at the negotiating table in a bid to extend Angus Crichton’s stay at Bondi Junction by an additional two seasons.
The Roosters on Tuesday announced that Connor Watson would be returning to the club from 2022 after the Knights utility signed a two-year deal. The tri-colours are now turning their attention to retaining Crichton and star centre Joseph Manu.
Crichton signed a one-year extension in April, raising the prospect of rugby swooping for his services. The back-rower’s stocks have risen since putting pen to paper due to his strong form and the retirement of Boyd Cordner due to repeated concussions.
The club has opened negotiations with Crichton’s management in a bid to retain him until the end of 2024. The NSW forward could earn more if he put himself on the open market, but is keen to stay put.
The talks are still at a preliminary stage, but both parties are confident of striking a deal that will rule out any chance of him defecting to the 15-man game before the next Rugby World Cup.
The Roosters will then look at retaining Manu, who will also be a target for the New Zealand Warriors once he becomes a free agent on November 1.
The Roosters are desperate to retain Angus Crichton.Credit:Getty Images
Watson’s signing will give the club cover in a variety of positions due to his versatility.
“Connor is an exciting player and a skilled performer across a number of positions,†said Roosters coach Trent Robinson. “He is also a really good person, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the club.“
Meanwhile, Andrew Fifita underwent surgery after suffering a fractured larynx against Newcastle. The Sharks forward was placed into an induced coma and then underwent a three-hour procedure on Tuesday night. The match review committee opted not to take any action over the incident that led to the injury.
“Andrew Fifita underwent laryngeal surgery late today in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital,†the club said in a statement.
“The surgeon carrying out the procedure informed that the surgery was successful, with Andrew expected to make a full recovery.
“Andrew will now remain in ICU in the short term, before continuing his recovery in hospital.
“Andrew’s wife Nikki and the Fifita family would like to express their thanks to their many friends, Sharks members and fans and the wider rugby league community for the support and well wishes received, with the family now looking for some space and privacy during the recovery process.â€
In team news, Melbourne will shoot for a 19th consecutive win against the Gold Coast, but without Brandon Smith, Dale Finucane and Justin Olam, who have all been rested. Nicho Hynes will start at halfback for Jahrome Hughes (concussion) with Ryan Papenhuyzen donning the No. 1 jersey for the first time since Magic Round.
Manly named Tom Trbojevic to start against Canberra on Friday, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) has been named on the Raiders’ bench.
James Roberts will play his first game for the Wests Tigers since round 16 against a Cronulla side who have named Matt Moylan in the No.18 jersey.
Parramatta dumped Tom Opacic and Michael Oldfield and replaced them with young centre Will Penisini and Haze Dunster for Saturday night’s game against North Queensland.
And the Roosters welcome back their front-row enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves against St George Illawarra, who have Matt Dufty returning to fullback, and Junior Amone starting in the halves.
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Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Christian Nicolussi covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.