The man who first tried signing Angus Crichton to Rugby Australia remains more than convinced the Sydney Roosters back-rower will be an instant success.
Eddie Jones was Wallabies coach when Crichton was first sounded out about switching codes in 2023, only for negotiations to drag on for months, then ultimately collapse.
Crichton’s manager David Rawlings slammed the process with Rugby Australia at the time as “bad business”.
Crichton this week signed a two-year $1.6m deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. When Jones first reached out, the deal was for a similar amount but with Crichton to play domestically with the Western Force.
Jones has since taken over coaching duties at Japan and welcomed the chance of potentially facing Crichton and the Wallabies at next year’s World Cup.
“The rule for me has always been, ‘if you can play State of Origin, you can play Test rugby’ – Angus is a proper State of Origin player, so he’s going to make it in Test rugby,” Jones said.
Eddie Jones joined Manly coach Anthony Seibold at Friday’s scrimmage against St George IllawarraCredit: Max Mason-Hubers
“The big thing will be settling on a position quickly, then they need to coach him really well. Coaching for the league players [is really important].
“I think No. 12 is the right position for him. He’s a big strong guy, he’ll have to get a bit sharper on his feet, but he can do that.
