Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton engaged to partner Chloe Esegbona in Manchester

Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton has capped a stunning year by announcing his engagement to his partner in a very public proposal. Plus, NRL stars and WAGs shine at Daly Cherry-Evans’ wedding.

Angus Crichton and his partner, Chloe Esegbona, celebrate their engagement outside the Midlan Hotel in Manchester. Picture: Instagram

Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton has capped off his NRL off-season break in the United Kingdom by proposing to his partner, Chloe Esegbona.

The pair announced their engagement on social media on Sunday.

Crichton surprised Esegbona, who was holding a takeaway coffee at the time, as he got down on one knee out the front of the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

“Cannot wait to make you my wife,” Crichton posted to his 94,000 Instagram followers after proposing on the steps of the iconic 120-year-old hotel.

Crichton and Esegbona outside the Midland Hotel.

Esegbona was in shock.

“You brighten up every room that you walk in and make me a better man. 17.12.24 – luckiest guy in the world – forever love #chloecrit.”

The NRL world reacted immediately to the news, with scores of people offering their congratulations.

“How good! Congrats guys,” Roosters captain James Tedesco posted, alongside messages from fellow club teammates Mark Nawaqanitawase and Victor Radley.

South Sydney stars Cameron Murray, Cody Walker and Tyrone Munro put aside their club rivalry to wish the pair well, as did Crichton’s Kangaroos teammates Mitchell Barnett and Bradman Best.

Others to offer their congratulations included Cooper Johns, Bradman Best, Daniel Saifiti and Matt Lodge.

Crichton and Esegbona went public with their romance earlier this year, when they were spotted embracing when the 28-year-old went into State of Origin camp with NSW.

Crichton has been enjoying his off-season break ever since helping Australia to their Pacific Championships final win over Tonga at CommBank Stadium.

He has been in the UK where he caught up with former Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, watched new Wallaby Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii play for the Wallabies, and spent some time with Australian-born Scotland rugby captain Sione Tuipulotu.

But it was his engagement to Esegbona that will no doubt be the highlight.

It was the end of a highly successful year for the edge forward, who was named Brad Fittler Medallist for leading NSW to their Origin series win over Queensland, and also signed a two-year extension to remain at the Roosters until the end of 2026.

NRL STARS, WAGS SHINE AT DCE’S WEDDING

Daly Cherry-Evans’ wedding to his long-time partner Vessa on Friday was one of the events of the rugby league off-season. The guest list on Sydney’s northern beaches included a who’s who of rugby league.

Former coach Des Hasler made it down from the Gold Coast - although we are reliably informed he managed to make it back in time for training the next day.

The Trbojevic boys - Tom and Jake - were there with their partners Kristi and Alix.

Tom Trbojevic's fiancee Kristi Wilkinson (L) and Jake Trbojevic and his fiancee Alix Waddell (R)

Premiership-winning teammate Kieran Foran and his wife Karina were also in attendance along with Queensland teammate Ben Hunt and his wife Bridget.

Also attending was Maroons star Cameron Munster and former Manly teammates Jamie Buhrer, Darcy Lussick and Justin Horo.

Kobi Ruzzene, Daly Cherry-Evans, Vessa Cherry-Evans and Taniela Paseka. Picture: Instagram

Kobi Ruzzene and Vessa Cherry-Evans. Picture: Instagram

Sunday Sesh also understands that DCE’s former teammate Cooper Johns was MC and had some fun with those in attendance.

Hasler was among those to cop a ribbing along with Hunt, who was advised to enjoy his final days of freedom - he starts pre-season soon with Broncos coach Michael Maguire.

Cameron Munster and Corey Waddell squaring up.

It shapes as a huge off-season for Cherry-Evans as he continues to weigh up his future in representative football and beyond next year.

The Sea Eagles skipper turns 35 in February and has entered the final year of his deal with Manly. He is expected to sit down with the Sea Eagles at some point early in the season and decide whether he continues playing in 2026.

(L-R) Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Justin Horo and Cameron Munster at the wedding. Picture: Instagram

Don’t bet against it - he played 24 games for Manly last season and shows few signs of slowing down. Representative football might be a different matter, although Cherry-Evans remains a pivotal figure for the Maroons as their captain, and has made no secret of his love for pulling on the Maroons jersey.

Cherry-Evans and Vessa have three children - Navi, Harvie and Tully.