Sydney Roosters star back-rower Angus Crichton remains off contract less than a month out from when rival clubs will be able to begin tabling offers.
It is a situation that has not received much attention, largely because it was widely assumed he would simply extend his estimated $800k-a-year deal for another season at Bondi.
Whilst the Roosters have said all the right things during the season, and Crichton himself has repeatedly stated he does not want to play for another NRL club, no contract has been formally tabled.
Reports on the Off The Record podcast, via Phil Rothfield, suggested the Roosters are not keen to re-sign their representative back-rower.
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If true, it would be a stunning development — particularly when salary cap space was cited as a possible factor, despite the Roosters offloading several high-profile, highly paid players in recent seasons.
It has also been widely seen that the Roosters are driving a youth movement, with several younger players given opportunities this past year.
Crichton, however, is still only 29 and very much in his prime, holding a strong grip on both State of Origin and Australian representative jerseys.
Whilst 2025 was not at the heights of his standout 2024 campaign, it was still a strong season from the Roosters superstar.
The club has a track record of rebuilding quickly, and even with a new wave of talent coming through, there has always been a need for proven stars like Angus Crichton to keep them in premiership contention.
Another angle not to be overlooked is whether the rebel rugby union code R360 has a role to play, with Crichton’s background in rugby and his stature making him an obvious target.
While his name has not been strongly linked to R360 so far, a move would command a far higher salary than the NRL could likely match — and a bidding war is something the Roosters are unlikely to entertain.
The reports seemingly came out of nowhere, and given the way both player and club have spoken about their mutual interest throughout the year, it appeared a long shot Crichton would play in any colours other than red, white and blue.
But as it stands, no contract has landed for Angus Crichton from the Eastern suburbs — and the clock is ticking.