NRL 2023: Roosters star Angus Crichton granted leave from the club

Key Roosters forward Angus Crichton is set to miss an extended period of football after being granted leave from the club.

Angus Crichton is set to miss an extended period after being granted leave by the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images.

Angus Crichton’s availability for the opening round of the premiership is in doubt after he took time off from a Sydney Roosters’ pre-season camp in New Zealand to deal with personal issues.

Crichton, a fixture in the Roosters back row, missed the club’s camp in Queenstown last week and only rejoined his teammates at training this week.

He was left out of a strong Roosters side named for their opening trial against the Melbourne Storm in Geelong on Sunday and there are now doubts over whether he will be ready for the start of the premiership - the Roosters kick off their year against the Dolphins in round one.

Angus Crichton is set to miss an extended period after being granted leave by the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images.

The Roosters can ill-afford to be without Crichton, a crucial member of the Australian side that won last year’s World Cup.

However, they are fortunate to have youngster Siua Wong in reserve - he has been named alongside Egan Butcher in the second row for the game against the Storm.

The 19-year-old Wong was a member of the Fijian side at the World Cup and has been earmarked for big things by the club.