Resilience and mateship driving Crichton as finish line looms

A self-confessed sentimental bloke, Angus Crichton won’t be slipping away with a patch of grass, a dressing room banner, or even a coffee mug, when the Allianz Stadium doors close behind him. 

Crichton is one of four big names departing the Roosters at full-time on Sunday along with Daly Cherry-Evans (Super League), Connor Watson (Dragons) and Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby). 

“I won’t be ripping anything off the walls but I am definitely sentimental, and a pretty deep thinker,” Crichton told NRL.com. 

“Resilience and mateship are the two biggest things I’ll take away. 

“We’ve had so many great memories together. I guess I have learned how to be a good mate and a good teammate.

“That in turn has helped me understand what it takes to be a good father, husband and friend. 

“This club has taught me how I want to carry myself and the respect I want to give people.” 

Freakish finisher Nawaqanitawase leaves a trail of 43 superb tries from 45 games across two-and-a-half years and a highlight reel for the ages.

“There are so many memories. All of them,” the 26-year-old said in the lead-up to his last game in Roosters colours.

Fans are sure to remember one highlight in particular – the hop in the air, chip kick in-goal, running outside the touchline and then back inside just before the corner post to chase the bouncing ball for his second try in Round 11 last year against the Bulldogs. 

That effort earned him the 2025 Dally M Try of the Year and Nawaqanitawase also took home Dally M Winger of the Year honours.

“Yeah that’s one of them (best memories),” he said.

“Then my debut, Anzac Day games, there are so many memories. I’ve had a great time here.” 

Nawaqanitawase’s debut came in the last club game of the 2024 season – Round 27 against the Rabbitohs, where he scored his first NRL try after just six minutes replacing Daniel Tupou on the wing. 

He had returned from playing Sevens rugby at the Paris Olympic Games two months earlier.  

Cherry-Evans preferred to speak about why he came to the Roosters rather than what his best memory might be – in truth that could still be coming on Sunday night at Accor Stadium.

“This club doesn’t like to just be involved in the competition, they want to win the competition,” Cherry-Evans said.

“Can I believe I’m here? Yes I can to be completely honest with you.  

“It wasn’t the only reason but it was a very big reason of why I came here, because of a belief to give myself this kind of chance to be in, and winning, the grand final because that’s a big reason why I play the game.”