Angus Crichton interview, mental health; Andrew Johns reaction; Sydney Roosters, State of Origin

Angus Crichton has opened up on his journey back to the top of rugby league, just 18 months after his life was turned upside-down by his battle with bipolar disorder.

The 28-year-old was facing an uncertain future in the NRL after suffering a manic episode following the World Cup, which saw him admitted to a mental health facility.

In an exclusive interview with Nine’s Michael Chammas, the Roosters back-rower explained the situation that occurred in France after the tournament in England.

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“It’s a hard one for me to even articulate or explain,” Crichton said.

“I was on such a high after the World Cup and I had a relationship breakdown.

“I had a manic episode and ended up in an institution. That whole off-season I was pretty much locked into psychiatric wards, which they put down to bipolar disorder.

“Even though I was stone-cold sober, there was obviously something going on.”

Crichton would meet his new partner during this time and admitted she stuck by him due to the love he expressed for his family and friends, even in his darkest hour.

During his time in hospital in early-2023, Crichton was visited by rugby league legend Andrew Johns, who had nothing but praise for the NSW Blues enforcer.

“He is so brave – he was in a very dark spot and I just wanted to go and see him,” Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“I’ve had some battles, it’s well-documented, and when you’re going through it you think you are the only person going through it. I just wanted to say ‘You’re not on your own, you will get through it’ – which he has.

“The way he is playing now is a credit to himself and the people around him. He just looks in a really happy spot and you look how fit and healthy he is … it’s so good to see him back, not only on the field but living a healthy life.

“He is such a legend and a good-hearted bloke.”

Crichton started this season in NSW Cup before returning to the top grade, dominating for the Tricolours and earning an unlikely Origin recall under Michael Maguire.

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