Roosters star Angus Crichton has dismissed speculation linking him to rival NRL clubs and the looming cash-rich R360 rugby competition, insisting his focus remains firmly on playing for the Tricolours.
The 29-year-old back-rower is contracted with the Roosters until the end of 2026, which would make him a free agent from November 1 this year.
According to News Corp, reports suggest the Perth Bears are eyeing Crichton — a mainstay for both NSW and the Kangaroos — as a potential target for the expansion franchise.
Speaking on Nine’s Wide World of Sports on Sunday, Crichton downplayed the rumours.
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"To be completely honest, especially at this time of the year, I'm just so focused on playing footy for the Roosters," Crichton said.
"I know I'm there for next year and a year is a long time in footy. I've got my blinkers on and making sure I'm playing my best footy for the Roosters."
Since leaving cross-town rivals South Sydney at the end of 2017, Crichton has become synonymous with the Bondi-based club, donning the red, white, and blue jersey and cementing his reputation as one of the NRL’s toughest forwards.
Since leaving cross-town rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs at the end of 2017, Crichton has become synonymous with the Bondi-based club
While a move away from the Roosters seems unlikely, whispers of a switch to R360 have followed the former Newington College standout, who excelled in schoolboy union.
Crichton acknowledged the chatter but stressed that nothing concrete has emerged for him or other NRL stars.
"For sure, but at this point, it's nothing but a whisper," he said.
"Until there's anything solid there, you're not gonna see guys putting their hands up.
"The amount of cash they are throwing around is obviously going to be perking the guys' ears up. They are talking about $1.5 or 2 million for these players.
"But at this point in time it's just a whisper, so we'll see what happens."