Making an appearance for the NSW Blues just in time to seal the 2021 series with a dominant victory, Angus Crichton has praised the likes of Brad Fittler, Craig Fitzgibbon, Boyd Cordner and James Tedesco for their leadership and influence in Origin camp.
Alongside current Club and state captain Tedesco, Crichton made plenty of impact off the bench for the Blues in their 26-nil drubbing of Queensland on Sunday night, and the 25-year-old says the Club’s contingent of NRL and Origin legends has been massive for his own game as well as the Blues’ successful 2021 campaign.
“It’s really great playing under Brad Fittler,” Crichton said.
“Freddy's a character and he’s really relaxed. He brings a great energy and vibe to the camp, and playing under him is something I really enjoy.
“I feel like the Club had so many great Origin players in Freddy, Fitzy and Boyd, now Teddy is the captain so there’s a lot to live up to.
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“He leads through his actions and that’s the kind of leader he is. He’s been doing that for a long time. He’s really grown in the Origin arena and I love to see it as both a Blues and Roosters teammate.
“It’s the good kind of pressure you want. You want to fly the Roosters colours high and make the Club proud.”
Head Coach Fittler and assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon - who were teammates in the Tricolours from 2000-2004 - were joined by recently retired Roosters and Blues captain Boyd Cordner in the coach’s box, someone who Crichton believes was a timely addition to the Blues' staff ahead of Game II.
It’s the good pressure you want. You want to fly the Roosters colours high and make the Club proud.
Angus Crichton On having Roosters Origin Legends in camp
“He’s one of my great mates and a familiar face to a lot of us at the Blues,” he said.
“Having him there gave us a great boost. He gives you a feeling of security and he’s very experienced.
“He’s been there, done that and he’s always up for a chat. He will do anything to help the team, and that’s exactly what he did.
“We always talk about trying to keep our opponents to zero and to get one up at Suncorp was special, Fitzy would be happy with that. I think the way the boys saved those tries they were pretty special.”
Although there is still a third game in the Origin series to look forward to, the barnstorming backrower now has his sights set on Thursday night’s all-important clash with the Melbourne Storm as he transfers from sky blue of NSW to the Red, White and Blue of the Roosters.
“To come into a side like that was pretty special and I feel very grateful and honoured to go into a side like that and be a part of that,” Crichton said of his 2021 Origin campaign.
“But I’m also really excited to get back to training with the boys and go up to Newcastle to play Melbourne on Thursday.
“I’m just looking to go about playing my game and I’m looking to rip in with the Roosters.”
More State of Origin on Roosters.com.au
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