Angus Crichton to leave South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2019
IT was the offer too big to refuse, enough for rising star Angus Crichton to quit Souths and sign with the club’s 107-year enemy.
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IT was the three-year deal worth $2.7m that blew away South Sydney.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Sydney Roosters paid an extra $600,000 over three seasons to lure star backrower Angus Crichton away from Redfern.
It is understood the Roosters will pay Crichton $1m for 2019 and then $850,000 a season for 2020 and 2021. The final figure came to $2.7m.
The Daily Telegraph has been told South Sydney’s offer stood at $2.1m over three years.
Even that was a stretch in the eyes of Souths management.
The healthy Roosters offer was enough for Crichton to quit Souths and sign with the club’s 107-year enemy.
Even a South Sydney media statement claimed Crichton had accepted a “more lucrative offer elsewhere.”
The powerful Roosters once again got their man. It has been described as a “once in a lifetime” contract for a young star who has played just 30 NRL matches.
Sydney Roosters officials have yet to formally announce the signing but that could happen as early as Tuesday.
Crichton will fulfil his 2018 contract with Souths but may not be a crowd favourite among disgruntled Rabbitohs fans.
Social media went in meltdown yet again with many questioning how the Roosters could afford Crichton having already signed stars Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco.
Privately though, the Roosters point out that Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle) and Michael Gordon (Gold Coast) left this month while Aidan Guerra, Kane Evans, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Liam Knight, Paul Carter, Connor Watson, Dale Copley, and Jackson Hastings have been moved over the past 12 months.
Seriously Angus Crichton reported to be going to the Roosters in 2019. That will do me 😳#isthereasalarycapffs
— Steve French (@sfrench_steve) December 18, 2017
Roosters paying Angus Crichton in bitcoins #salarycapsombrero
— Wackos Whispers (@WackosWhispers) December 18, 2017
Breaking: The Roosters have signed Angus Crichton, Cooper Cronk, James Tedesco, Jason Taumalolo, The Trbojevic Bros & the entire Warriors organisation & yep-you guessed it-they still have room to move under the cap 😂😂😂
— tigernometry (@Onyasport) December 18, 2017
With Crichton now signed, the Roosters can focus on the retention of skipper Boyd Cordner, who comes off contract after next season. The NSW skipper has tentatively been linked to Newcastle and Gold Coast.
A two-time Australian rugby union schoolboys star, Crichton has previously represented Sydney Roosters in the SG Ball competition.
The loss of Crichton is devastating blow for new Souths coach Anthony Seibold.
Souths issued a media statement which read: “Angus Crichton has informed the South Sydney Rabbitohs that 2018 will be his final season with the club, having committed to a contract with another NRL club for 2019 and beyond.
“The Rabbitohs made a very strong three-year offer to Crichton for his services beyond 2018 however he has chosen to take up a more lucrative offer elsewhere. Crichton will be remaining with the Rabbitohs for the 2018 season.
“Crichton has played 30 NRL matches to date, scoring eight tries since making his debut in 2016.
“The Rabbitohs look forward to the 2018 season with Angus and wish him the best for the future beyond the end of next season.”
There have been suggestions Crichton flew to Coffs Harbour to personally tell Souths co-owner Russell Crowe of his decision. He then told stunned teammates he would be leaving.
Crichton previously expressed his disappointment at Souths Sydney’s decision to sack coach Michael Maguire.
Cronulla had also expressed interest in Crichton. The bumbling Waratahs allowed Crichton to slip through their grasp.