Roosters players ‘really sad’ for Angus Crichton after star forward diagnosed with bipolar disorder

The Sydney Roosters have thrown their support behind Angus Crichton after the star forward agreed to take a break from the NRL to receive treatment for bipolar disorder.

Crichton, who was part of Australia’s World Cup triumph last year, will not play in the Roosters’ NRL first round clash against the Dolphins on Sunday with no timetable set for his return.

“It has been very sad to see [him go on break]”I have nothing but love and support for him right now,” defender Nat Butcher said.

“I just want him to be in the right place getting the right treatment and then come back soon.”

The 27-year-old is currently seeking professional help after his father, Charlie Crichton, confirmed his diagnosis last week.

Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton was diagnosed with bipolar disorder last week

Crichton’s father, Charlie (front), confirmed that the NRL star is receiving treatment.

“He just walked away and recognized that he needs help,” prop Lindsay Collins said.

You’re getting the help you need, and when you’re right, you’ll be back.

Crichton will be absent along with star center Joey Manu [facial fracture] when the Roosters kick off their 2022 campaign with an away trip to NRL newcomers at Suncorp Stadium.

The teams will compete for a cup named after the Immortal Arthur Beetson, who played for both clubs.

The Dolphins have had trouble landing big-name signings since they were admitted to the NRL, but the Roosters have had no such problems.

Penrith premiership prop Spencer Leniu and Newcastle winger Dominic Young have agreed to join the club next season, raising speculation surrounding the Roosters’ salary cap.

Brisbane legend Gorden Tallis called the club’s continued ability to land top-tier signings a “running joke” on Monday.

Crichton will miss the Roosters’ NRL Round 1 clash against the Dolphins and a timetable for his return to action this season has yet to be set.

But Collins said the lure of playing for a winning club was the reason the Roosters, who added New Zealand hooker Brandon Smith in the off-season, continued to attract big names.

“Those who come here play their best football and I think we have a really great coaching staff who strive to be the best, which feeds into our drive to be the best,” he said.

“If players are looking to squeeze as much juice out of the lemon as they can, they probably want to see what the conversation is about and come here and experience it.

“The more you get professional, the less you worry about money and the more you worry about winning.”

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