Cheika reveals NRL Grand Final conversation that sealed Crichton's rugby switch

Michael Cheika pulled Angus Crichton aside in the aftermath of the Sydney Roosters’ NRL Grand Final victory last October and asked a simple question: “What position do you want to play?” It was the first time the incoming NSW Waratahs coach had raised the prospect of a code switch with Crichton, Cheika confirmed at a press conference at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

Crichton, 30, played First XV rugby at Sydney’s Scots College before building a decorated NRL career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and then the Roosters. Rugby Australia announced on 20 January that he had signed a deal with the Waratahs effective from the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The club subsequently added former Wallabies halves Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps, and confirmed Cheika’s return as head coach.

The Waratahs listed Crichton as a back in their squad announcement, with earlier reports suggesting he could feature at inside centre or in the backrow. Cheika declined to specify a position on Wednesday, and was equally measured when asked about expectations for Crichton’s debut season in union.

“I’m not a real big expectations man, because they usually only lead to regrets,” Cheika said. “For Angus, he’ll have his own personal ideas and goals of what he wants to achieve, and then he’ll be part of the team’s goals as well.”

Cheika, who won the 2014 Super Rugby title and later served as an assistant at the Roosters before taking charge of Lebanon at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, expressed confidence in Crichton’s ability to adapt. “I’ve had good experiences with bringing league guys over to rugby. Angus has been playing league for a long time… I’ve got no doubts in what he’ll bring and how he’ll fit into the team, and what he’ll bring to the team off the field as well. He’s a real competitor. He’s a great energy guy off the field.”

Crichton, who was named State of Origin Player of the Series — the Wally Lewis Medal — two years ago, headlines a Waratahs squad containing 13 capped Wallabies. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen are among the backs, alongside Sid Harvey, who won Rookie of the Year last season, and Teddy Wilson, recently named in the Wallabies squad for the first time.

The presence of Foley and Phipps, both 37, drew its own attention. Cheika noted that the veteran halves were recruited before he was appointed, and pointed to the Roosters’ own experience of benefiting from seasoned players — Daly Cherry-Evans helped Cheika’s side win the NRL title last month at the same age.

The Waratahs’ pre-season begins early next week.