LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters identifies Angus Crichton as a vital player for his World Cup squad, expressing confidence that the back-rower will be available for the year-end tournament before pursuing his aspirations with the Wallabies.
Recently, Crichton signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. He mentioned that he remains "undecided" on whether to aim for a second Rugby League World Cup winners medal or transition to rugby early to secure a spot with the Wallabies during the European spring tour.
The timetable presents a challenge, as Crichton will not be able to participate in both events. In contrast, former Roosters player Joseph Suaalii has opted out of Kangaroos consideration to accelerate his rugby journey with the Wallabies by the end of 2024.
However, unlike Suaalii, who has never participated in a league international for Australia and chose to represent Samoa in the 2022 World Cup, Crichton is a regular in the Kangaroos lineup and regarded as one of the more experienced players.