Angus Crichton says that a switch to rugby union is still on the table as the star back rower wrestles with his future.
The Roosters star becomes a free agent on November 1 and is seriously weighing up a move to the 15-man game before a home world cup.
Crichton was a rugby union star at Scots College before deciding to commit to rugby league.
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The 29-year-old doesn’t yet know what his future holds beyond the end of his current deal but is keeping his options open, with a move overseas not of the equation according to the SMH.
“It would be a different path, something that I’m open to. But I’m just focused on trying to win games for the Roosters here,” Crichton said.
“I think I’m getting to the age now where I’m getting a bit older, and I want to do what’s right for my family. I’ve got to try and set myself up the best I can.
“Obviously, I love the club and am grateful for what I’ve been able to achieve.
“Rugby league’s given me everything I have, so these are all just scenarios that you’re tossing up, but I haven’t locked anything in yet.
“I haven’t played the sport (union) in 10 years, so I’d be interested to see where I stack up.”
TITANS FLYER SHOPPED
Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira has reportedly been given permission to speak with rivals, with one club kicking off negotiations with the gun winger.
According to Code Sports, Gold Coast powerbrokers informed New Zealand bosses they were free to begin speaking with Khan-Pereira’s management regarding a switch.
The 23-year-old is contracted until the end of 2026 and is the perfect addition for the Warriors who are reportedly looking to add pace to their backline.
Khan-Pereira, meanwhile, has a preference to move to New Zealand, with his family being of Maori and Samoan descent.
The speedy winger has scored 53 tries in his 54 NRL appearances, holding one of rugby league’s most impressive strike rates.
Khan-Pereira looms as one of the first casualties of Josh Hannay’s Titans rebuild, with the incoming coach set to make a host of roster changes ahead of his debut NRL campaign.
Both David Fifita and Brian Kelly are also set to be released.
STORM’S MOVE TO RELEASE ENFORCER
The Melbourne Storm have reportedly shopped enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona to an NRL rival amid his disciplinary issues on the field, as he faces an future uncertain.
The Daily Telegraph reported a third party reached out to the New Zealand Warriors to gauge their interest in signing the Kiwis International.
Asofa-Solomona is currently signs until the end of the 2028 season on a deal worth $800,000 annually, with the Warriors understood to have baulked at his hefty asking price.
The Melbourne big man is not allowed to negotiate with rivals until November 1 of 2027, but the Storm would be open to releasing him early if another opportunity came up.
The Storm star is currently serving a three week suspension for a high tackle on Ben Talty in Melbourne’s final regular season game against the Broncos, which could rub him out until next season, unless they lose to the Bulldogs and win through to the decider.
It comes after Asofa-Solomona missed last year’s grand final due to suspension, with the Storm privately concerned they are not getting enough bang for their buck due to his inability to stay on the field, especially in big games.
Asofa-Solomona has also held talks with the new R360 rebel rugby union competition, after being linked to code switches to play for the All Blacks in the past.
Storm skipper Harry Grant was supportive of any player chasing an opportunity if it was in the best interests of them and their family.
“I’m not worried about it,” Storm captain Harry Grant said of R360.
“If any player wants to chase that opportunity and do that, good on them. Why do we hold them back or ridicule them?
“I think if that is the opportunity they want to chase, go for it. I think it’s more of a wakeup to put more time and effort into grassroots.
“Let’s put some more time and effort into development into rural and regional Queensland and NSW. There’s so many kids out there.
“There’s so many players out there that want to play NRL.”
The 29-year-old has scored 35 tries in 215 games for the Storm since his debut in 2015 and won premierships in 2017 and 2020.
He has also scored three tries in 15 Tests for New Zealand to date.
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DRAGONS WINGER IN SIGHTS OF BRONCOS
Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has been linked with a move to the London Broncos who are preparing for a return to the Super League under Darren Lockyer.
The Daily Telegraph reported Sloan is a likely target for the London Broncos as Lockyer prepares to take over the club.
Lockyer and his long-time business partner Grant Wechsel want former Souths coach Jason Demetriou to be at the helm as they prepare for the Super League and they are tagetting players to strengthen his squad.
Sloan has been given permission by the Dragons to explore his options, despite being signed for 2026 and he looms as a potential target if Lockyer and Wechsel’s takeover bid succeeds.
The Dragons fullback and winger is yet to receive interest from NRL rivals, so a switch to the Super League could be his next best option.
The 23-year-old has scored 47 tries in 79 games for the Dragons, but was moved from fullback to the wing this season with Clint Gutherson joining the club as their fullback.
Despite this, Sloan scored 17 tries in 20 games in 2025 and would light up the Super League with his footwork and speed.
Sharks halves boost,Roosters resist hype | 01:37
WALLABY COACH RESPONDS TO MARKY MARK MURMURS
There is growing speculation that Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase could be in line for a return to rugby union with Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt weighing in on the star winger.
Nawaqanitawase has stunned the NRL in his second season scoring 23 tries in 22 games for the Roosters to lead the NRL.
The star winger scored six tries in 11 Tests for the Wallabies from 2022 to 2023, before making a shock code switch to the Roosters.
There are reports Nawaqanitawase is eyeing a potential return to rugby union to play for the Wallabies at the 2027 home World Cup.
However, he also has ambitions to play for the Kangaroos and in the Origin arena, with the brilliant winger a chance of making the 2025 Ashes squad.
There are also reports Nawaqanitawase is seeking a potential pay rise to match his exploits in his breakout season in rugby league.
Schmidt admitted ahead of the Wallabies’ Test against Argentina at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, that Australia would be interested in Nawaqanitawase returning to the 15-man code.
“His athleticism in the air is not too different from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, so to have athletes like that is always something that would add value,” Schmidt said.
“But at the same time we have got guys that have stayed invested in rugby union and Max Jorgensen has been outstanding. Corey Toole has come through and Harry Potter before he got injured was playing really well. And Dylan Pietch brings a real physical edge.”
11-0! Roosters cap off undefeated season | 04:43
SUPER LEAGUE TWIST IN $1.1M MANLY STAR’S FUTURE
Tom Trbojevic in the Super League?
A host of English clubs have reportedly been informed the Sea Eagles superstar is open to a move abroad, according to All Out Rugby League.
Trbojevic’s management have reportedly reached out to Super League franchises in recent weeks, with the gun fullback’s current contract expiring at the end of the 2026 season.
By the time his deal expires, the representative weapon will be 30, and he’s currently earning a whopping $1.1 million per season at the Manly club.
Trbojevic has battled with injuries in recent years, which led him to offer to give half his salary back to the Sea Eagles in 2024, feeling guilty about his lack of time on the field.
The SMH previously reported Trbojevic was considering a move abroad, but now the cogs have been set in motion with potential negotiations set to kick off.
Several Super League clubs are reportedly investigating whether they can afford to sign him for 2027 and fit him in their roster.
The news comes with both Tom and brother Jake Trbojevic having kicked off negotiations with Manly bosses to extend their time at the club earlier this year.
The gun No.1 would reportedly be willing to walk away if re-signing means rising players the club will have to leave.
The former Blues and Kangaroos star has reportedly told those close to him that he’d rather play overseas than against Manly, with Jake sharing that same sentiment.
He also told AAP in August that he is fully understanding his value has dropped due to his injury concerns.
“I don’t want to let people down. It’s what I value, and I know I’m paid very well and haven’t played enough footy to justify what I’ve been paid,” he said.
“I’ll sit down at the end of the year and work all that out. I’m not really too focused on it right now.
“I understand I’m not going to be paid the same amount that I’m worth now.”
Meanwhile, Jake is reportedly earning around $900,000 and the club are reportedly willing to offer a one-year extension worth around $500,000.
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