NRL market watch 2022: Wests Tigers eyeing move for Roosters star Angus Crichton

Wests Tigers are in need of some heavy-hitting forwards next season and an Origin star with close links to coach Michael Maguire looms as a major target for the club.

Angus Crichton is on Wests Tigers’ radar. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Wests Tigers are considering making a massive play for Sydney Roosters and NSW State of Origin forward Angus Crichton.

The Daily Telegraph understands Crichton and Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire have a close friendship from their days together at South Sydney.

Off contract after this year, Crichton has agreed to a two-year extension at the Sydney Roosters but the contract hasn’t yet been signed or registered with the NRL.

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Wests Tigers have spoken internally about approaching Crichton, although no offer has yet been lodged. Other cashed-up NRL clubs are also interested in Crichton.

Should he sign at Concord, Crichton would join Parramatta’s Isaiah Papali’i in a dynamic Wests Tigers’ back-row with Penrith’s Api Koroisau at dummy half.

Angus Crichton has close ties to Tigers coach Michael Maguire. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It is anticipated Crichton could attract a three-year deal worth between $2.1 million and $2.4 million.

There appears little doubt Wests Tigers will pursue Crichton with vigour, although sources close to the club are denying any formal contact has yet been made.

The Tigers are in desperate need of some heavy-hitting forwards after losing Kelma Tuilagi to Manly, Luke Garner to Penrith and Luciano Leilua to North Queensland for 2023.

Wests Tigers have the money to go after Crichton, who has represented NSW over the past four State of Origin series. The club privately fears being out-bid by rivals for Crichton.

Maguire has a history with Crichton, luring him back from rugby union to Souths in late 2014 and then giving the star forward his NRL debut in 2016.

The Tigers coach also has a strong bond with the Crichton family.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire gave Angus Crichton his NRL debut at Souths. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

There was a suggestion the Roosters offer involved a chunky pay cut to free up some salary cap cash to sign Storm star Brandon Smith.

Crichton, 26, has endured a largely inconsistent season but there are few more damaging edge forwards in rugby league when he’s firing.

Wests Tigers are privately saying they need to be chasing players of Crichton’s ability and big-match experience.

One former NRL coach said: “Angus would be just the player a club like Wests Tigers need. They need a player of his calibre — that’s the next step for Wests Tigers.

“The club has plenty of rising young players coming through but, for them to step up to the next level, they need players that have played at the highest level, players that have played rep footy. Imagine a Wests Tigers back-row of Crichton and Papali’i.”

Crichton has been linked to a return to rugby union – the code he played when a student at Scots College, Sydney. He is a former Australian Schoolboy rugby union player.

Speaking recently with The Sunday Telegraph, Crichton’s manager David Rawlings was coy about his client’s future, only saying: “We don’t do business and play it out in the media.”

Crichton will play a key role for the Roosters on Saturday night’s big match against Penrith at the Sydney Cricket Ground.