Angus Crichton says he holds no grudges with the Sydney Roosters over their failed signing of David Fifita, as he continues to weigh up his own future.
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Crichton created headlines earlier this month when he hit out at the Tricolours, claiming they had kept him in the dark on the Fifita signing.
At the time, he also made clear he would not play second fiddle to Fifita, and said coach Trent Robinson knew where to find him to explain the situation.
But the situation changed drastically days later, when Fifita backflipped on his Roosters deal and opted to remain on the Gold Coast.
That had prompted fears the Roosters could lose both Fifita and Crichton, having shown their hand in signing the Titans star before losing him.
But speaking publicly for the first time since the development, Crichton said that would not weigh on his mind as he considered his own next move.
"It's a funny one. I think at the start of the year I think they were looking to the future and I don't think they were keen to re-sign me," Crichton said.
"Then obviously I'm playing good footy now they're keen to re-sign me again.
"So I can't be upset with the club for trying to look after the club and sort out a position that they didn't know was going to be taken.
"It's a business, and it's not personal. That's recruitment, I think it's just how it is."
Crichton said he had been emotional when he made the initial comments about the Roosters earlier this month, but he no longer held the same feelings.
"It was a bit of a build up. I just said it how it was and spoke from the heart," he said.
"But there's definitely no love lost there for the club.
"The club's given me so much. The team, coaches and players there, I've got such a deep love for all those guys and the club itself."
Crichton is, however, yet to commit to playing for the Roosters.
AAP has been told multiple clubs have sounded out his manager about the second-rower's services, while both French and Japanese rugby remain a lure.
His management have met with Roosters supremo Nick Politis in the past week, but it is unlikely a decision will be imminent.
Likewise, Crichton does not view his NSW State of Origin selection as something that is guaranteed to motivate him to stay in the NRL.
"My manager has spoken with Nick and they're trying to figure something out. I'm not going to rush it," he said.
"I love the NRL and this sport has given me my whole life as an adult.
"I'm so grateful that I made the decision to come across and playing in big games like (Origin) is why you play.
"But I don't think there's a massive rush for me to make any decisions quickly. I'll sit back and see what comes across and make a decision."
Australian Associated Press
