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Latrell Mitchell reveals a touching conversation with Angus Crichton’s father as the Souths star checks on the well-being of his NSW team-mate after bipolar diagnosis
Latrell Mitchell has revealed that he has contacted Angus Crichton’s family after the Sydney Roosters star was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
No date has been set for the return of the star forward, who will miss the Tricolors’ Round 1 game against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Mitchell is preparing to lead South Sydney in their season debut against Cronulla on Saturday night, but took the time to speak to Crichton’s father, Charlie, who confirmed his son’s diagnosis last week.
“I reached out to your father actually [on Tuesday]’ the Rabbitohs star said on Wednesday.
‘I just wanted to make sure they’re okay. That’s the kind of person I am, I try to reach out and do my best.’
Latrell Mitchell revealed that he spoke to Angus Crichton’s father after he confirmed his son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder last week.
Crichton is receiving treatment and has been ruled out indefinitely by the Roosters
In a statement provided to Nine News last week, Crichton’s father said the 27-year-old second rower from the home state of New South Wales was receiving treatment for the condition and was receiving full support.
Mitchell and Crichton are close friends, winning a premiership together with the Roosters in 2019 and lifting the Rugby League World Cup last year. The two were also New South Wales teammates, as the Blues won the 2018 and 2021 State of Origin series – Crichton played only Game I as New South Wales won the shield in 2019.
‘I have a good connection with Charlie, his father and Gussy [Angus Crichton]we won a competition together.
‘I wanted to make sure they were okay, that they were traveling well.
‘It is what it is. I don’t want to comment too much on that, it’s their personal life, what they’re going through.
Roosters captain James Tedesco said this week that he had been in contact with his club, state and Australian Test teammate Crichton to offer support.
‘It is important. We have only been supporting it. He’s going through some things right now,’ she said.
“We can’t really go into details, but we are all supporting him and we hope he can get back to training.”
On Tuesday, fullback Nat Butcher and prop Lindsay Collins echoed the message, explaining that the Roosters players had rallied behind their teammate.
“It has been very sad to see [him go on break]”I have nothing but love and support for him right now,” Butcher said.
“I just want him to be in the right place getting the right treatment and then come back soon.”
Collins added: ‘He just walked away and acknowledged that he needs help. She’s getting the help she needs and when she’s right, she’ll be back.
Crichton (left) and Mitchell (right) won the 2019 premiership with the Roosters
The duo (center and right) have also won two State of Origin series for the Blues together.
Meanwhile, the Roosters sought relief from the NRL salary cap with Crichton out indefinitely for the season.
The Kangaroos star has a $750,000-a-year contract and the Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this week that the Roosters had discussed the possibility of salary cap relief with the NRL last week.
The NRL has previously granted salary cap relief for players who were injured in representative matches or sustained career-ending injuries.
The league has also offered salary cap relief to teams whose players have been withdrawn under the no-fault suspension policy.