Roosters wanted Crichton to leave Rabbitohs this year

Angus Crichton has revealed Sydney Roosters officials asked him to leave South Sydney with a year to run on his contract.

The star back-rower announced at the end of last year he would join the Roosters on a three-year-deal worth nearly $3 million from 2019.

However, in an interview with Fairfax Media, Crichton confirmed the Roosters wanted to him to leave the Rabbitohs this year so he could line-up for them a year early.

Fortunately for Souths fans, Crichton had no intention of leaving the Redfern club this year.

"I had a contract with Souths and I was going to stick to it, Crichton told Fairfax Media. 

"They wanted me there this year, but I wanted to honour my contract."

"Just because I had sorted my future early, there was no reason for me to walk away from what I had already agreed to [with Souths]."

"I believe we've got the team to win, and I feel we're more than a team. This year this is the strongest team I've been a part of."

Crichton said the one thing he will miss from the Redfern club is playing with Sam Burgess.

"He's a massive inspiration and role model for me. He's a class player and a great bloke," Crichton said.

"Rather than feel sadness, I want to relish the opportunities I still have left with him."

Crichton will line-up with Burgess in Saturday night's Preliminary Final against the Roosters.