Footy star caps remarkable turnaround from reserve grade to prestigious prize just two years on from harrowing mental health battle
- Angus Crichton has won the Brad Fittler Medal
- Crichton has completed a remarkable two-year transformation
- He struggled with mental health issues but was the Blues’ best player
Angus Crichton has emerged as NSW’s best player from the NSW Cup and was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal for the Blues’ most valuable player in their State of Origin series win.
Crichton was presented with the prestigious honour at a gala dinner at The Star in Sydney on Monday night, capping an incredible turnaround for the Sydney Roosters star.
Crichton was demoted to the NSW Cup reserve grade at the start of the season, but returned to the NRL in round three and is the top back-rower in the competition this year.
He received the Wally Lewis Medal for best player in the Origin series, before being voted the best in NSW by the players and coaching staff.
After a run in which he threatened rival Daly Cherry-Evans and made his mark on the Maroons, Crichton was also voted player of the year by the NSW fans.
The 28-year-old averaged 162 metres per game, made 61 tackles in the series, had 10 offloads and two line-break assists.
Perhaps even more impressive is Crichton’s recovery, after taking a break from playing last year for personal reasons and speaking extensively about his battle with bipolar disorder.
Captain Jake Trbojevic was awarded the True Blue Medal after leading NSW to a series win in his first year as captain.
Jaime Chapman was named NSW Women’s Origin Player of the Year after the Gold Coast winger starred in the Blues’ victory in the season opener.
Angus Crichton has completed his remarkable comeback with a major prize
The NSW Blues star was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal for his performances in Origin
NSW dominated the first game and a half of the series, but still lost 2-1 to Queensland.
Newcastle second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale received the Sky Blues Award for Women.
2024 BRAD FITTLER MEDAL FULL LIST OF PRIZE WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal: Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
True Blue Medal: Jake Trbojevic (Manly)
Audience Award: Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast)
NSW Women’s State of Origin Player of the Year: Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast)
Sky Blues Award: Yasmin Clydsdale (Newcastle)
Under-19 Men’s Player of the Year: Chevy Stewart (Canberra)
Under-19 Women’s Player of the Year: Kasey Reh (Illawarra)
NSW Cup Player of the Year: Adam Cook (Canberra)
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Leilani Wilson (Wentworthville)