Crichton ready to put Fifita saga to bed as Allianz return looms

Angus Crichton is ready for last year's David Fifita contract saga to finally be put to bed as the Titans forward prepares to play the Roosters at Allianz Stadium for the first time since backflipping on a deal to join the club. 

Crichton found himself awkwardly placed in a game of contract musical chairs, with the club suggesting at the start of 2024 that it would be his last in Bondi before pursuing Fifita to replace him. 

After initially thinking they had pried the Maroons forward out of the Gold Coast, Fifita changed his mind and opted to sign a new deal with the Titans. 

The backflip allowed the Roosters to re-sign Crichton and he has rewarded them by producing career-best form.

The forward has no hard feelings towards Fifita and hopes Friday's clash is the last time the saga is discussed.

"It's the past," Crichton said. "I've played with Dave before, he's a good fella. I saw him the other week when we were both staying out at Homebush and said g'day to him.

"There's no bad blood between me and him at all. Obviously when we've played each other we've had a few little battles. I'm sure nothing will be different when we play each other on the weekend. I've got nothing but respect for him as a person and as a player."

While some Roosters fans may give Fifita a frosty reception when he runs on to Allianz Stadium for Friday's clash, many believe the club ultimately benefited by retaining Crichton. 

The forward managed to put a series of off-field struggles behind him and rose from NSW Cup to Wally Lewis Medal winner and a Kangaroos call up in less than 12 months.

He also scored a hat-trick when the Roosters beat the Titans on the Gold Coast in Round 25 last season.

Crichton recognises last year was a sliding doors moment in his career and hopes to take his game to another level throughout the next two seasons. 

"It's funny how it all worked it," he said. "It could've worked out in so many different ways. I guess sliding doors moments, it's funny, I probably could've been talking to [the media] in a different jersey if it happened. It's funny how the world works and it'll be funny going up against each other again but it's all love.

"I'm obviously signed here for the next two years and that's where I see myself for the foreseeable future. We'll see what happens."

Crichton is eager for the focus to be on the field and what his side must do to topple the Titans on Friday night.

While the Roosters fell to the Warriors last weekend, the Gold Coast secured a commanding victory over Newcastle. 

The Titans boast attacking threats across the park, led by halves AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell.

With so many dangerous players, Crichton said the Roosters cannot afford to focus too much energy on one particular player.