Image: Angus Crichton. Photo: AAP photos.
By CHRISTINE LAI
Sydney Roosters player Angus Crichton has spoken out about his bipolar diagnosis for the first time two months after he was diagnosed with the mental illness.
The backrower was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in February this year and declared that he would be taking an indefinite break from rugby league. He was admitted to a mental health facility for several weeks.
Two months following his diagnosis, the Sydney Roosters star has declared that he’s “in a good space” ahead of the upcoming Anzac Day game where his team will be going up against the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Roosters v Dragons annual fixture has been occurring since 2002 to pay tribute to the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Crichton made a return to rugby league in the NSW Cup last week, telling The Sydney Morning Herald in his first interview of the year, “I don’t think you’re ever away from the game”.
The ANZAC Day game will be his first match that he’s played since the World Cup final.
The backrower described the overwhelming support he’d had which made him continue to feel connected to the sporting community, despite not yet playing his first first-grade football game for the year.
Crichton describes feeling grateful for support following diagnosis
“I’ve had great support around me because of the game to some extent. I’ve been back training for a while now and around the team. Last weekend, being back on the field felt like home and I’m just going to focus forward on the upcoming game … I’m in a good space, excited for Tuesday”, Crichton said.
The Sydney Roosters star’s father, Charlie Crichton, confirmed his diagnosis in February where no date had been set for the player’s return at the time.
Charlie provided a statement to Nine in late February, detailing that his son was undergoing the appropriate professional support and treatment for the medically diagnosed illness, which “he [Angus] has been dealing with for some time”.
“He is fully supported by his family, his management and the Sydney Roosters club as he works towards recovery.
“While no timeline has been set for his return to rugby league, we will continue to trust his medical team and know those within the rugby league community will respect his right to privacy during this time.”
Return to first-grade football
Crichton declared that he felt privileged to be able to return to rugby league and play in the traditional Anzac Day fixture.
“The Anzac round is up there with playing finals football and Origin. It’s one of the most treasured games for me personally, so it’s exciting to be returning and running out with the boys on Anzac Day”, he said.
The Sydney Roosters captain expressed his support for Crichton’s return to the field, speaking highly of the Test player’s work ethic since training, stating that his presence would “add a lot to our team”.
“I think he just wanted to be back with the boys, that really helped him. It was hurting him not being around the club and the team. He just wanted to be around us. Since he has been back, he has been in great spirits, he is back to himself. It is great to have him back, he is a quality person and player”, the Roosters skipper said.
The ANZAC Day fixture between the Roosters and Dragons will be held at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off will be at 4:05pm.
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