Angus Crichton to miss first two rounds after bipolar diagnosis

Roosters backrower Angus Crichton will be unavailable for the Tricolours opening round games.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Angus Crichton of the Roosters looks dejected at full-time during the round 11 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Penrith Panthers at Sydney Cricket Ground, on May 21, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Roosters backrower Angus Crichton now has a timeline set on his return to rugby league after the Origin star was granted time away to work on his mental health.

It was revealed on Thursday Crichton had been granted an indefinite leave of absence after a recent diagnosis for bipolar disorder.

The 27-year-old had another outstanding season last year as he played a full State of Origin series as well as winning a World Cup with the national team.

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Fox Sports’ James Hooper now reports he is expected to miss at least the opening two games of the NRL season as he works through a battle with mental health.

Former Blues coach Laurie Daley said on the Big Sports Breakfast that the Roosters needed Crichton in order to contend.

Angus Crichton has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I think it would be a relief now knowing exactly what’s been happening with bipolar,” Daley said.

“He’s taken some personal leave and we all should respect that and hopefully Angus comes back a bigger and better player.

“If they’re to win the competition, they need a fit Angus Crichton.”

Crichton’s father issued a statement to Nine News saying that he had been dealing with “medically diagnosed bipolar disorder” for “some time.”

“He is fully supported by his family, his management and the Sydney Roosters club as he works towards recovery.

“While no timeline has been set for his return to rugby league, we will continue to trust his medical team and know those with the rugby league community will respect his right to privacy during this time.”

Angus Crichton (R) played his fourth State of Origin series last year. (Photo by Trevor Collens / AFP)

Earlier that day, Nine’s Danny Weidler had reported that the Roosters were “hoping to have him back on the field in six weeks, but that may be the best case scenario.”

Crichton was to serve a match’s suspension for a raised elbow on Chanel Harris-Tavita during the World Cup final.

He has played 87 matches for the Roosters, including the 2019 premiership after leaving the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Originally published as Angus Crichton to miss first two rounds after bipolar diagnosis