- Took time away from the game in 2023
- Was diagnosed with bipolar disorder
- Has clapped back at troll on social media
Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton has been praised by his supporters for standing up to online trolls after the representative forward fat-shamed a footy fan who attacked him over his recent mental illness battle.
Crichton is an avid user of social media platform X and regularly creates posts to engage with his followers and spark conversation.
This week, he posted about a curious situation where he had purchased goods overseas and received a puzzling invoice in addition to the initial costs he had paid.
‘Anyone ever had to pay tax to aus government after ordering something online? Had no idea got an email from FedEx asking for $370, thought it was a scam,’ he posted.
For context, Australia introduced a rule to charge GST on all imported goods in 2018. Imported goods over $1000 now require an Import Declaration and attract the new tax.
Some followers pointed out that the tax was legit and they had experienced it themselves when ordering online.
‘I’ve ordered golf clubs from the USA and have had to pay tax in past 6 months. New tax apparently for importing,’ one posted.
‘Yeah bro ordering Harley parts from a manufacturer in Canada got stung about $300,’ posted another.
Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton, pictured with partner Chloe Esegbona, had a triumphant return to form in 2024
Crichton returned to his best form after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2023
However, one troll used the post as an opportunity to attack Crichton on his well documented battles with mental illness.
‘Usually, it only happens when you order magic mushrooms,’ the account with no identifying features posted along with an emoji of a mushroom.
Another account posted, asking: ‘Mushroom tax?’.
Crichton has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after becoming ill on an overseas holiday. It was reported that Crichton had suffered an adverse reaction to hallucinogenic psilocybin or ‘magic’ mushrooms, which he later denied.
The Sydney Roosters star was quick to snap back, posting an image of the second X user with the comment: ‘Put the phone down and go for a run big guy’.
The troll then replied: ‘Hahaha hope you make it to my age champ’ with a series of laughing emojis.
‘I hope I grow up to be nothing like you,’ Crichton responded.
The responses from Crichton were praised by his followers, who applauded him for standing up for himself.
‘I had no idea you were this iconic Angus,’ one posted.
‘You’re the gift that keeps on giving Gus Crichton, credit where credit is due,’ added another.
‘Hahahahahahahaha flamed,’ laughed yet another.
Crichton forced his way back into the NSW State of Origin side this year and is currently in camp with the Kangaroos national team for the Pacific Championships.
It came after he spent months out of the game in 2023 to address his mental health issues and returned through the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup.
Crichton hit back at this footy fan who trolled the Roosters forward over his mental health issues
Since returning to rugby league Crichton has forced his way back into the State of Origin-winning NSW Blues side
Crichton was also selected for the Kangaroos squad to contest the Pacific Championships
He described that time away from the game as the best decision he had made in his life.
‘As men and as athletes we can often be too proud to seek help or look like you’re weak or struggling. Sometimes it can be the strongest thing to accept you’re probably not where you need to be and to get the help you need,’ he said earlier this year.
‘Once you do that, people will respond and react differently to how you build it up in your mind. Don’t be too proud, accept you may need a bit of help and that’s the first step to getting better.’
