Devastating Bunny blow
RUGBY LEAGUE ANGUS Crichton recently revealed plans to start a charity for kids in Arnhem Land and make documentaries – two things South Sydney could have easily accommodated because of their rich ties to the indigenous community and an Oscar winner for an owner.
So it was fair to say Souths officials were shattered when Crichton informed them next year would be his last at the club, and he would be taking up a three-year deal worth nearly $3 million to join bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters.
Arguably still a rookie with just 30 NRL games under his belt, Crichton had huge interest from Cronulla and the Roosters, and Souths also tabled what they called a “really competitive three-year offer’’.
Sadly for Souths fans, Crichton will not be the only player to bail at the end of next season. Five-eighth Cody Walker has passed on a recently revised offer and is weighing up interest from three rival clubs.
Crichton, a well-spoken, well-educated star of the future, contacted coach Anthony Seibold with the news on Sunday before it became public just before lunch yesterday.
Seibold said there were no plans to grant Crichton an early leave pass to join the Roosters, and he was keen to work with the back-rower in his first year as an NRL head coach.
“It’s disappointing for us as a club,’’ Seibold said.
“We offered Angus a really competitive three-year deal to stay with us. He’s been here three years since he left school, so we are disappointed from that point of view. But it’s good it’s been resolved and we can move on for 2018.
“Gussy is contracted with us for next year, and he will add great value to our 2018 season.
“We’ve had a couple of good conversations the last couple of days, and we’re both heading in the same direction for next year.
“The Rabbitohs are a very resilient club, and although we’re disappointed, we’ll finish this pre-Christmas training bloc then focus on round one.’’
Crichton’s deal means the Roosters will have almost a third of their salary cap in 2019 made up by three players, including fellow millionaires James Tedesco and Cooper Cronk. The cap in 2019 is expected to rise to $9.6 million.
IT’S DISAPPOINTING FOR US AS A CLUB. WE OFFERED ANGUS A REALLY COMPETITIVE THREE-YEAR DEAL TO STAY WITH US