Angus Crichton has made a remarkable return to the interstate arena for NSW,while Fifita was the shock omission when the Queensland side was announced. Now Crichton stands to become the biggest beneficiary after Fifita knocked back the Bondi Junction outfit.
Nicho Hynes has failed to take part in NSW's first training session as he battles to overcome a calf injury.
“I understand,it’s not personal,” Crichton said of the club’s interest in the Titans star.
“It’s the lay of the land in professional sport,you’re always looking to get new players and trying to help your team win games.
“I think at the start of the year they weren’t looking to keep me,they were sort of looking to what was next.
“Obviously,they were looking at him and it’s not personal.”
Angus Crichton is back in Blue.James Brickwood
Much has changed since the season started. Crichton wasn’t even in the first-grade squad for the opening two rounds,and when he eventually forced his way in the Kangaroos star was limited to about 20 minutes off the bench.
Now Crichton is in a position to not only cement the spot earmarked for Fifita but also the $825,000-per-annum sum that was set aside for him.
“I don’t want to compare,but I obviously believe in myself and believe in my ability,” Crichton said.
“I know what I’m worth and what I can provide to a team. I love the Roosters,I love my teammates and I’m sure we’ll figure something out soon.”
New NSW Blues coach Jake Trbojevic revealed he was walking his dog with his fiance Alex when he got the call from coach Michael Maguire.
Negotiations between Crichton’s management and the Roosters began in earnest on Friday and will resume again this week. There is no enmity between the parties:the Roosters braced for Crichton’s departure after he sought permission to explore opportunities in rugby union last year,while the former Rabbitohs forward understood the club’s need to explore contingencies.
There was a potential flashpoint after Crichton made a pointed comment during the Tricolours’ pursuit of Fifita,stating a fortnight ago:“I don’t want to be sitting behind anyone.”
“Obviously when I said what I said after the game,I think I was probably emotional,” Crichton said on Wednesday.
“I was high on emotion and I guess it was probably a lack of communication for myself and,and Robbo[coach Trent Robinson].
“We’ve smoothed it over now and it’s all OK … We did talk after that and I’ll keep those conversations confidential out of respect to him and the club.
“Me,and the club,and Robbo,we are all in a good place. I understand that it is business at the end of the day.
“It’s a funny one because,obviously,where I guess an acquisition for a business,but we also have feelings and we’re also people at the end of the day as well as athletes and I guess little pawns in a chess game of a business.
“But I’m content with where I’m at. There’s no real rush for me to sort of jump at anything.
“I’m open to options and I’ll see what comes across.”
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