NewsBite

What’s the Buzz: Andrew Johns reaches out to Roosters star Angus Crichton

Andrew Johns is taking a personal interest in the recovery of Roosters star Angus Crichton from his mental health struggles.

Angus Crichton is undergoing treatment after stepping down from his Roosters commitments to get himself healthy. Picture: Getty Images
Angus Crichton is undergoing treatment after stepping down from his Roosters commitments to get himself healthy. Picture: Getty Images

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns is taking a personal interest in the recovery of Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton from his mental health struggles.

Joey has twice visited the Origin and Kangaroos forward at a facility where he is undergoing treatment after stepping down from his Roosters commitments to get himself healthy.

Johns, who has had his own well-publicised mental health issues in the past, would not go into detail around his visits but was keen to speak of his admiration for the big second-rower.

“You wouldn’t meet a nicer bloke with a bigger heart,” Johns said.

Angus Crichton is undergoing treatment after stepping down from his Roosters commitments to get himself healthy. Picture: Getty Images
Angus Crichton is undergoing treatment after stepping down from his Roosters commitments to get himself healthy. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s such a caring person and a really good fella.”

The pair have become close from State of Origin camps and living in the same area in the eastern suburbs.

“I know how hard it is when you go through this stuff,” Johns said.

Andrew Johns has reached out to Roosters star Angus Crichton. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Andrew Johns has reached out to Roosters star Angus Crichton. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“You think you’re the only bloke in the world going through it and you think you’re alone.

“That’s why I’m there to support him.

“I see Angus around Bronte at the beach quite often.”

Crichton’s father Charlie recently revealed his son was getting treatment for medically diagnosed bipolar disorder.

“He is fully supported by his family, his management and the Sydney Roosters club as he works towards recovery,” Crichton’s father said.

At this stage, there is no timeline on his return to football.

Crichton has a treadmill and weights at the rehab facility and has been working out every day.

There was talk he may have even attended a Roosters training session last week.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis plans to visit Crichton this week for a coffee.

“I’m only interested in Angus knowing that he has the full support and care of everyone at the Roosters,” Politis said.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/whats-the-buzz-andrew-johns-reaches-out-to-roosters-star-angus-crichton/news-story/93d7458a4c2513ffc66ee371fa45f7e9