NRL 2023: Angus Crichton out of mental health facility, reveals plans for Roosters return

Angus Crichton has checked out of a mental-health facility following a bipolar disorder diagnosis and revealed his ambitions to return to the Roosters.

Angus Crichton will aim to make his Roosters return within a month, after checking out of a mental health facility. Picture: Getty Images.

Roosters star Angus Crichton has checked out of a mental-health facility and is eyeing a return to the NRL in a month.

News Corp understands the Australia and NSW Origin forward will meet with Roosters bosses on Friday to map out his comeback amid initial fears Crichton’s NRL career was in jeopardy after being medically diagnosed with bipolar.

The revelation is a major boost for the Roosters ahead of Friday night’s derby blockbuster against Crichton’s former club South Sydney at Allianz Stadium.

It can be revealed Crichton officially departed a Sydney hospital on Thursday.

He will meet with Roosters chairman Nick Politis and former board member David Gyngell over the next 24 hours in the most definitive sign yet the 27-year-old is hopeful of a triumphant return to the NRL.

Angus Crichton will aim to make his Roosters return within a month, after checking out of a mental health facility. Picture: Getty Images.

Crichton has told Roosters hierarchy he wants to play again. He hopes to be back in action in four to five weeks - possibly in time for the Bondi club’s round 7 showdown against Cronulla on Friday, April 14.

Crichton’s comeback would come as a relief for Roosters insiders following his turbulent past month which triggered concerns over whether the premiership-winning forward would ever play again.

The Roosters will not rush his return and, despite Crichton’s best intentions, it may take longer depending on his progress.

The NRL was plunged into shock when Crichton’s father Charlie revealed last month that his son had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and was seeking professional help.

Roosters teammates were equally concerned after Crichton returned from Australia’s successful World Cup campaign in England, where the Roosters forward played a key role in the Kangaroos’ 30-10 defeat of Samoa in the final.

In the wake of his diagnosis, the Roosters moved to provide full support for Crichton, who checked into a mental-health facility in a bid to fight his way back to the NRL.

Now Crichton is gradually winning the battle.

Crichton will meet with Roosters officials in the coming days to map out his NRL return. Picture: Getty Images.

It is understood Crichton, who is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2024, will require medication for an extended period to assist him as he juggles his bipolar condition with the pressures of NRL football.

The rugby league community has rallied in support of Crichton, with NRL Immortal Andrew Johns, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the early 2000s, recently visiting the Blues back-rower..

While Crichton’s welfare has been the Tri-Colours primary concern, his impending return is a huge boost for their footballing stocks.

The former Australian Schoolboys rugby prodigy is one of the best back-rowers in the NRL and the Roosters have missed the 141-game veteran’s workrate and aggression on their left edge.

Crichton has been keeping fit in rehab, running 10km on a treadmill in recent days as he ramps up his Roosters return.