Sydney Roosters respond to cross-code speculation surrounding off-contract star

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says he’s found the public discourse surrounding Angus Crichton’s future at the club disappointing.

Ahead of their home game at the SCG against Penrith on Saturday, Robinson moved to quell the hysteria which has developed over the last fortnight linking Crichton with a move away from Bondi.

AAP understands that the NSW Origin backrower agreed to a two-year contract late last year.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 14

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 14

However, the deal could not be registered with the NRL due to the tightness of the club’s salary cap in 2023 following the club’s acquisition of Melbourne’s Brandon Smith.

The Roosters have given Crichton assurances that he will remain at the club despite reports linking him with a move to the Wests Tigers and rugby union.

“We know where we are at with Angus,” Robinson said.

“There’s been a lot of talk in the last couple of weeks everywhere and it’s been a little bit too much at times.

“We don’t come out publicly and talk about our stuff like that, there’s been enough talk rightly or wrongly in the background, which has been disappointing.

“We’ll just continue on and be honest with the players behind closed doors.”

Crichton has looked much more assured since returning to his favoured left side in the back row and the forward has enjoyed a blossoming relationship with teenaged halfback Sam Walker.

Robinson’s side face Penrith for the first time this year knowing their recent record against Ivan Cleary’s side reads 4-0 in the Panthers’ favour.

“We’ve had some good contests with them in those games and they’ve been close for the most part,” Robinson said.

“We feel like we’re getting better and feel like we’re on the rise and there’s a lot of respect for the opposition, but we also know what we need to do.

“I want to see how our form continue to rise in the areas that we care about and in stuff that we’ve labelled as important to us this year.”

Nat Butcher replaces Victor Radley at lock after the forward picked up an ankle injury in last week’s win over Parramatta.