Roosters look to secure Crichton with long-term contract extension

The Sydney Roosters aren't taking any chances as they continue to lock-down young talent and secure their future.

Just a day after signing back Newcastle utility Connor Watson, who started out his professional career at the Roosters, the Chooks are reportedly in negotiation with star forward Angus Crichton in hopes of extending his contract by a further two years.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: Connor Watson of the Roosters watches on during the round 13 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium on June 5, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

According to The Sydney Morning Herald's Adrian Proszenko and Christian Nicolussi, the front office is engaging in fresh conversation with Crichton only a few months after extending his contract until the end of 2022.

The deal, which was struck in April, saw Crichton awarded $750,000 and another year in Bondi. However, even with this recent extension, the forward's future in the Eastern Suburbs seemed just as unclear.

The Roosters, like many teams, have faced a salary cap squeeze as of late and the uncertainty surrounding their future roster has been apparent.

NRL Rd 4 - Roosters v Warriors — SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Angus Crichton of the Roosters is tackled during the round four NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 04, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

This is also off the back of shock reports that Crichton is being hunted by Australian Rugby.

With Watson now set to join the Tri-colours in 2022, and many of the other young pieces re-signed, Crichton's signature on a long-term contract is the next crucial step.

The Roosters didn't need another impressive year from the multifaceted forward to earn himself an extension, but it did help.

While Crichton will finish the season having missed a total of six-games due to suspensions, the mega-star's strong form and the retirement of Boyd Cordner has all but confirmed his necessity to the Roosters sustained success.

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The talks between the two are reportedly still at a preliminary stage, but both the Roosters front-office and Crichton's team are confident in striking a deal that will rule out any chance of him not only switching codes but tempting offers when the November 1 deadline roles along.

As the Roosters also look to lock-down superstar Centre Joseph Manu for the long-term, Crichton could look to the open market for more money, but is apparently eager to stay where he is.