New Roosters recruit Angus Crichton fulfilling childhood dream

A signed Craig Fitzgibbon coaster sat proudly on Angus Crichton’s bedroom wall for years. Now the Sydney Roosters recruit is counting the days until his “surreal” debut.

There’s not much better than pulling on the jersey of your boyhood club.

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A signed Craig Fitzgibbon coaster sat proudly on Angus Crichton’s bedroom wall for years.
As an avid Roosters fan, Crichton adored Fitzgibbon and Brad Fittler. Last year he had the opportunity to be coached by Fittler at Origin level, now the Roosters recruit is sharing a bond with another idol in Fitzgibbon, who is the club’s defensive coach.
“I’m loving it,” Crichton said. “From the coaches to the boys to the set up. It’s a really tight-knit group and everyone has a common goal. I feel like there is a certain feel in the place. I’m so happy that I’m there.

Crichton can’t wait to make his Roosters debut.

“They were my childhood team. I can’t wait to put on that jersey. It’ll be a surreal moment. I remember as a kid I got a photo with Freddy (Fittler). After the 2002 grand final — I was too young to get into the club but my sister’s godmother rushed out with a signed Fitzgibbon coaster. I wish I still had it.”
Crichton is on track to appear for the Roosters in next month’s World Club Challenge against Wigan after having a minor shoulder reconstruction. He played through the final month of last season with the discomfort.

There’s not much better than pulling on the jersey of your boyhood club.

The 22-year-old had a strange feeling as he watched on as the Roosters won the premiership having eliminated Crichton’s South Sydney to qualify for the grand final.
“It was different going to a new club, new colours and lot of new people to meet,” Crichton said. “I feel like I’ve settled in well.
“It was a different one (watching the Roosters win the grand final). When you get to this stage you have mates in every team so you’re watching players. I was happy for a lot of those guys. It’s created a good environment for me to walk into and start off my career as a Rooster. What Robbo (coach Trent Robinson) has done is made it clear 2018 is done.”
With NSW and Kangaroos skipper Boyd Cordner entrenched on the left, Crichton is set to combine with Cooper Cronk to form a lethal right edge combination.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to put my hand up for the No.12 spot,” Crichton said. “There is a heap of competition, I won’t be walking straight it.
“It’s cool (playing alongside Cronk). He has done it all, he knows how to win games and steer the teams around.”

Now he's ready for the Armidale coaching clinic @Damiencook91 🏉 pic.twitter.com/kQGdLTmWW7

— NSW Rugby League 🏆 (@NSWRL) January 19, 2019

Crichton joined the likes of Roosters teammates Cordner, Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco as part of a 21-man Blues squad in Armidale. About 200 children took part in a coaching clinic led by the NSW team.
“It was unreal,” Crichton said. “As a country kid, I used to love seeing any footy player. It’s just a buzz having them around. I have a lot of time for this stuff.”

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Originally published as New Roosters recruit Angus Crichton fulfilling childhood dream