Crichton split on staying with Roosters or chasing Wallabies hopes

Angus Crichton is mulling a three-way decision on his future this offseason, with the representative second rower to decide between staying with the Roosters, pushing for a Wallabies spot, or moving to play Japanese rugby.

Sydney has been trying to get Crichton’s signature on an extension for some time, with the 29-year-old still regarded as one of the game’s best second rowers, but the 2027 Rugby World Cup is fast approaching.

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Crichton, who came through juniors playing rugby before joining the NRL, has always wanted to represent Australia in the rival 15-man code and may have his best opportunity when the glamour cup comes Down Under in 2027.

For that reason, the Roosters star is considering leaving rugby league after his 2026 deal wraps up, if not earlier. He stands to earn $800,000 through the next NRL campaign, but may request a release to give himself enough time in the game to prove to the Wallabies he deserves selection. Should he take up that pathway, the Western Force would be his likely destination.

Franchises in the Japanese League One competition are reportedly very interested in his services, according to Code Sports, because he’s classified as a “category C” player in that competition due to never playing rugby internationally. If he’d appeared for the Wallabies, he would have taken up one of three vital ‘import’ slots for any franchise.

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Crichton could even, in theory, leave the Roosters as soon as possible and play rugby in Japan through to May — the season there starts in December and runs for six months — before then joining an Aussie franchise in late 2026. That would give him 18 months before the 2027 World Cup starts early in October, should he go down that avenue.

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The Roosters, meanwhile, have the most cash to offer, but that may not interest Crichton anymore. He’s already earned some millions in the NRL and just won the Ashes with the Kangaroos, earning more money on that tour, too.

The biggest carrot would be stability, but Crichton is more likely to follow his dream.