There was a time Angus Crichton could feel people doubting he'd even play one more NRL match, much less reach the coveted 200-game milestone he'll bring up in round two.
But once Crichton was "pulled out of the embers" by his loved ones, the dark days became his making and the Sydney Roosters forward knew it was never an option but to press on to 200 and beyond.
Crichton took indefinite leave from the game to receive treatment for bipolar disorder at mental health facilities following a manic episode in the wake of Australia's 2022 World Cup win.
After thorough professional help, he returned to the field via reserve grade in April 2023, but not before his future had become the subject of intense external speculation.
Asked on Monday whether he ever questioned his ability to reach 200 games during the tough times, Crichton was introspective.
"Definitely a lot of people were talking like that around 2023, a lot of people were saying I wouldn't play NRL again and lots of people were questioning whether I'd play sport again," he said.
"Personally, deep down, I knew that that was never an option for me."
It was Crichton's support network that gave him that confidence. The 30-year-old lent on his parents and met his now wife Chloe in late 2022.
The pair are expecting their first child later this month.
"I've walked out of that (time) with stronger relationships," Crichton said.
"Even though it was a really shitty time for myself and my family and I put a lot of pressure on myself and my friendships, relationships, the people around me, I think through that it grew stronger.
"My wife, she's an absolute star. She pulled me out of the embers. I owe a lot to her for sure."
Crichton found career-best form in 2024, his first full season since his hiatus, and won both Dally M second-rower of year and the Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin's player of the series.
"I think it was the making of myself," Crichton said of his dark days.
Crichton's impending code switch means there's all the more reason to savour Friday night's milestone against South Sydney, where he made his NRL debut as a 20-year-old in 2016.
Super Rugby Pacific's NSW Waratahs have signed Crichton for next season as the former schoolboy rugby prodigy eyes a Wallabies call-up at the 2027 home World Cup.
"Every single game that I play here for the Roosters and in the NRL, it's numbered. It's not going to last forever," Crichton said.
"Every single chance I get is something that I don't take lightly."
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