Crichton says his word is his bond

PLAYERS sign contracts, players break contracts and clubs are more willing than ever to grant an early release.

Anything goes in the pursuit of success and loyalty has become a casualty in the merry- go- round of the modern day NRL player market.

Not for South Sydney forward Angus Crichton, he’s a man of his word and has no intention of turning his back on the lucrative three- year Roosters deal he signed late last year.

With his club flying high and on the back of an Origin series for the Blues, his commitment to the tricolours has recently come into question.

But he put any rumours to bed ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Cowboys in Cairns, saying he will honour the contract.

“They [ the Roosters] know that I signed a contract and I’m true to my word. They knew that when I signed and then I chose to stay at Souths this year, that if I sign a contract I want to honour it, that’s the kind of person I am,” he said.

So loyalty isn’t completely dead in rugby league and Crichton’s stance is refreshing in the era of rugby league being first and foremost a business.

But would his loyalty waver if he finished the season with a premiership ring?

“When I signed the contract I thought through all the options ( including winning a title),” he said.

“It wasn’t a short process. I didn’t just sign without thinking about it, I thought about it for a good month or so.

“Slept on it and when made my decision I made clear that was final.

“I think because we’re going well this year and because I’m having a crack some people might think that you’re having second thoughts… I guess that’s the perception it gives off.”

The Bunnies announced the signing of Tigers hooker Matt McIlwrick on a two- year deal effective immediately from yesterday afternoon. I it