- Took time away from the game in 2023
- He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder
- Has clapped back at social media trolls
Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton has been praised by his supporters for standing up to online trolls after the representative forward shamed a footy fan who attacked him over his recent battle with mental illness.
Crichton is an avid user of social media platform
This week he reported a strange situation where he bought goods abroad and received a mysterious invoice in addition to the initial costs he paid.
“Has anyone ever had to pay taxes to the US government after ordering something online? “I had no idea I got an email from FedEx asking for $370, I thought it was a scam,” he posted.
For context, Australia introduced a rule in 2018 to charge GST on all imported goods. Imported goods over $1,000 now require an import declaration and will be charged the new tax.
Some followers pointed out that the tax was legitimate and that they had experienced this themselves when ordering online.
‘I ordered golf clubs from the US and have had to pay taxes for the past six months. New tax apparently on imports,” someone posted.
“Yes, brother who ordered Harley parts from a manufacturer in Canada got fined about $300,” another posted.
Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton, pictured with partner Chloe Esegbona, enjoyed a triumphant return to form in 2024
Crichton returned to his best form after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2023
However, one troll used the post as an opportunity to attack Crichton during his well-documented battles with mental illness.
“Usually it only happens when you order mushrooms,” was posted on the account with no identifying features, along with an emoji of a mushroom.
Another account posted with the question: ‘Mushroom tax?’.
Crichton was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after falling ill while on holiday abroad. It was reported that Crichton had had an adverse reaction to hallucinogenic psilocybin or ‘magic’ mushrooms, which he later denied.
The Sydney Roosters star was quick to respond, posting a photo of the second X user with the comment: “Put the phone down and go big guy.”
The troll then replied: “Hahaha I hope you make it to my age champ” with a series of laughing emojis.
“I hope I won’t be anything like you when I grow up,” Crichton replied.
Crichton’s responses were praised by his followers, who applauded him for standing up for himself.
“I had no idea you were this iconic Angus,” one person wrote.
“You are the gift that Gus Crichton continues to give credit where credit is due,” another added.
“Hahahahahahahahaha flamed,” laughed another.
Crichton returned to the NSW State of Origin squad this year and is currently in camp with the Kangaroos national team for the Pacific Championships.
It came after he spent months out of the game to deal with his mental health issues in 2023, returning to the NSW Cup via the Newtown Jets.
Crichton has hit back at this footy fan who dragged the Roosters forward due to his mental health issues
Since returning to rugby league, Crichton has found his way back into the State of Origin-winning NSW Blues team
Crichton was also selected for the Kangaroos squad to compete in the Pacific Championships
He described that time away from the game as the best decision he had made in his life.
“As men and athletes, we can often be too proud to seek help or give the impression that you are weak or struggling. Sometimes the strongest thing can be to accept that you’re probably not where you need to be and get the help you need,” he said earlier this year.
“Once you do that, people will respond and react differently to how you build it in your head. Don’t be too proud, accept that you may need some help and that is the first step to getting better.’