Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii reacts to NRL star Angus Crichton’s rugby deal

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii believes former Sydney Roosters teammate Angus Crichton has enough time to push for a spot in the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad, with the NRL star set to switch codes ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Rugby Australia announced last week that Crichton, who has played representative rugby league for the New South Wales Blues and Australia Kangaroos, has committed to a two-year deal with the governing body and the NSW Waratahs.

Crichton was selected in the Australia Schoolboys squads in 2013 and 2014 before taking up a deal in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The forward would later switch to the Roosters ahead of the 2019 NRL season.

The Roosters won the NRL Premiership that season, with Crichton making 26 appearances for the Tricolours during their run to title-winning glory. Crichton has since become a Rugby League World Cup winner (2021) and a four-time State of Origin series winner.

Suaalii was asked on Wednesday whether Crichton has enough time to make the Wallabies before the World Cup, replying with two words initially: “I believe.”  The two played on the same edge together at the Roosters before Suaalii switched to union ahead of the 2024 Spring Tour.

“You could feel the buzz around the group from the boys, to have someone, such a high calibre player (sign with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs),” Suaalii told reporters.

“Played Origin, played for Australia, he’s done so many things in the game of rugby league. It’s exciting to see where he’s going to play and what he’s going to do.

“With his work ethic and the person that he is, he’ll kill it.

“Every stage I’ve played at for the Roosters and I played one game of Origin, he was always there, part of my journey and he’s always been a great leader.

“For him to come across, I’ve always seen him as a great leader and a great person to play footy with, and a great person off the field. For him to come across, it’s quite exciting.”

Crichton received the Wally Lewis Medal in 2024 as State of Origin’s player of the series. New South Wales lifted the shield that season, bouncing back from a 1-0 series deficit to win games two and three away from NSW.

The second-rower played more than 20 matches for the Roosters in 2025, crossing for five tries and finishing the season with more than 91 per cent tackle efficiency. Crichton showcased some playmaking by forcing two drop outs and making four linebreaks.

While Crichton’s position in rugby union is yet to be made official, multiple media outlets have suggested that inside centre is on the cards. The Wallabies had Len Ikitau and Suaalii in the midfield last season, but increasing the competition for places is never a bad thing.

“He’s one of the toughest players I’ve played with. He knows how to play the game, he’s a smart footy player but tough, one of the toughest players I’ve played with,” Suaalii explained.

“That’s the key going into the World Cup, you want to be fighting for positions,” he added.

“With our flankers, with our props, with our backs, you can see the depth we have.

“That’s what you want. You want in-house competition for the best team. I think all positions are up for grabs; it’s just who wants it more.”