Wallabies coach’s plan to fast-track Roosters ‘beast’ back into rugby
Wallabies coach Les Kiss is confident that “tough as nails” Angus Crichton’s work ethic and grounding in the game will give him a realistic opportunity to put himself in Rugby World Cup contention next year.
Crichton signed off from the NRL in style by winning his second premiership with the Sydney Roosters this month after undergoing surgery in July.
Angus Crichton celebrates with Sam Walker. Getty Images
Crichton suffered a right navicular bone injury in his foot during round 15 and the recovery kept him sidelined for 12 frustrating weeks.
The 30-year-old representative back rower has signed a two-year contract with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, where he will continue his relationship with 2026 Roosters assistant Michael Cheika.
Kiss and the Wallabies will fly to London on Saturday for four Nations Championship Tests, but Crichton is not in the touring party.
“First and foremost, get the foot into a really good space,” Kiss said on Friday regarding the plan for the former Australian Schoolboys star’s reintroduction to rugby.
“His work with the Waratahs, when he comes back into play, is massively important. I’ve spoken to (NSW assistant coach Stephen) Hoilesy on that one, Cheik on it briefly, but not majorly.
“They’ve got a plan to make sure they get that right, get his injuries right, he moves back into play, and we’re just looking forward to it. He’s looking forward to it, to coming back in fully fit from that foot and then going for it.”
The damaging Crichton is likely to be used at inside centre in an exciting backline that features Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Sid Harvey, Max Jorgensen, Nick Phipps, Harry Potter, Teddy Wilson and another former Roosters ace in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
But one season of Super Rugby is not a lot to master a complicated game.
“There is a lot of relearning for sure,” former North Sydney Bears, Queensland and Kangaroos winger Kiss said.
“Physically, body height, it’s a totally different game. From starter phase, totally different world. Left foot player, right side player, different to league in that, we have variations in how we build things in our game.
“So there is some learning, but he did play at the highest level you could before he moved across (to league), and so I don’t think it’ll be alien to him.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Angus Crichton walk to the team hotel at Sydney Olympic Park. Getty
“He’s always followed it (rugby), he’s always been close to some of the guys there (at the Waratahs).
“It’s not an alien concept to him at all, but it is a different game, and a different tempo. But the guy’s a competitive beast and hard worker, tough as nails.
“I know, from our conversation, he just wants to get there fit, and just go for it. Yeah, looking forward to what he can do.”
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