NRL 2024: Angus Crichton fires jab at Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii critics after starring on Wallabies debut
Kangaroos star Angus Crichton has fired up at critics of former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii following the code-convert’s dazzling debut for the Wallabies.
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Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton interrupted his build-up to the Pacific Championships final by telling critics of former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to “shut up.”
It comes as cross-code jumper Suaalii starred in the Wallabies’ historic, last minute 42-37 win over England at Twickenham.
Crichton took to X on Sunday to reject calls that Suaalii’s selection after just two training sessions was demeaning the Wallabies jersey with Fox League commentator Andrew Voss posting: “The Australian jersey shouldn’t be a ‘set of steak knives’ thrown in.”
A former rugby union player, Crichton cheekily digitally enhanced a photo he posted on social media of Suaalii passing a set of steak knives rather than a football.
Crichton posted: “Congrats to the Wallabies and my boy ‘Jsu’ (Suaalii) for blocking out the noise, huge win, shut a lot of people up.”
In another gentle dig at Suaalii’s selection, Voss responded by posting: “Haha … Great photo Angus. My opinion unchanged on earning Australia jersey in any sport. Doesn’t mean I am right. Well done Wallabies. Good Luck v Tonga old chap (you have earned your spot.”
Crichton wrote: “Haha thanks mate.”
Voss kickstarted the Suaalii debate late last month when the former Roosters player was told he would debut for the Wallabies without having played a game of rugby union in five years.
It was to be his first senior game of rugby union.
“The reward for the hard work up to now is the pay cheque … The Australian jersey shouldn’t be a ‘set of steak knives’ thrown in. Just my opinion. And would think the same of any sport. It isn’t knocking him down … Just my belief around national representation,” Voss wrote.
Crichton fired straight back: “It’s not a set of knives thrown in? He’s worked hard and earned his spot in the squad, and if he trains well enough he might earn a spot in the 23.”
Suaalii was the star in an amazing Wallabies’ win with winger Max Jorgensen scoring the match-winner four minutes into injury time.
While Suaalii did nothing wrong pre-game, he became the subject of intense criticism for his sudden selection.
Voss wrote in late October: “I am old school. As a kid I dreamt of being good enough to represent my country in any sport. Like most sports fans, I wasn’t good enough.
“The national jersey; the highest honour; should have to be earned. Not given away. I wish Joseph nothing but success.”
Crichton again responded at the time, saying: “100% playing for the Wallabies is the highest honour in union. Joey being one of the brightest prospects in both codes, then taking the risk to jump across in his prime, that is him earning his spot. Let’s support our boy, not knock him down.”
Suaalii and Crichton were solid Roosters’ teammates for the past four years.
The pair played together for NSW in State of Origin I this year, albeit for just seven minutes before Suaalii was sent off.
“I’ve come in, I’m 21 and I just feel I’m being myself,” Suaalii said after the English win.
“It’s a funny story – back in 2003, Samoa and England played, and my old man took me down. I was only a couple of months old, and my dad loves rugby that much. Honestly, to play against England today at Twickenham, it’s just amazing.”
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