SUNDAY OCTOBER 6 2019 SPORT 51 Angus keeps on fighting

MICHAEL CARAYANNIS Crichton, who not only was “Like all things, it takes Crichton was a Roosters the youngster out a signed and make sure you’re in the dumped by the Blues after time. tragic growing up. coaster, right headspace,” Crichton says this Origin I but lost his starting “Coming into a team like He was in the crowd to which became a treasured said. season has been the most spot at club level. this, the style they play and watch the - possession. “The only thing you can do emotional of his career. “It has been a roller- the players they have. coached Roosters side beat Fitzgibbon is now part of is fight. You have to be honest He arrived at Bondi as a coaster,” said Crichton, 23. “It took me time to under- the Warriors in the 2002 the Roosters coaching staff. with yourself and work hard high-profile off-season re- “A massive learning curve stand what’s needed of me. grand final before racing to Crichton said a few home to keep fighting. cruit from South as was when I got dropped from “Because it has taken time Easts Leagues Club to join truths when he was strug- “I was trying as hard as I he fulfilled his childhood Origin and went to the back and a lot of effort and hard the fans trying to catch a gling with his form helped could. I still am to reach my dream of playing for the bench here. work, it makes it even sweet- glimpse of his heroes. turn his season around. full potential. Roosters. “That was a massive mo- er when you’re playing well. Unable to get into the club “Through the lows, you “I wouldn’t change any- But shoulder surgery at ment for me. “I’m not playing as well as because he was under age, have to pull on the ones who thing this year. the end of last season con- “You can stand up or you I want to be but I’ll get bet- Crichton instead watched his are close to you and surround “I’ve learnt a lot about my- tributed to a slow start for can sit down. ter.” uncle go in and he brought yourself with the right people self and the game.” Home-made Keary uses head meals part of preparation after learning his MATT LOGUE hard knock lesson HOME-MADE meals and MICHAEL CARAYANNIS it wasn’t the end of the world. mum’s warm hugs – that’s how There are a lot worse things winger Dan- REPEATED concussions happen. iel Tupou has spent grand final had pondering if “I wouldn’t say I struggled week. he was more susceptible to mentally or anything like At 28, Tupou still lives at head knocks. that. It was different because home with his parents Michael In a bid to try to minimise you can’t see (the injury). We and Ofa in western Sydney. blows to the head, Keary has haven’t had too many cases The former Test and Origin taken a more cautious ap- of it. I’m not going to sulk flyer would love to live by him- proach on the field and has about it. I’m back now. It self, but he also feels a signifi- revamped his tackling style. didn’t finish me. I’ll be better cant sense of responsibility to While Keary never be- for it.” support his parents. lieved his career was in doubt The knock against New- Well before he starred on there was an obvious con- castle was unavoidable. But the NRL stage, Tupou recalls cern when he sustained a se- Keary has taken extra pre- the day his father almost got vere concussion against cautions to try to minimise deported home to Tonga for Newcastle earlier this year. putting his head in a high risk overstaying his visa. The knock robbed him of an situation, including changing He even spent a few days in Origin debut in what was his the way he tackles. the Villawood Detention Cen- fourth concussion in 14 “You’re a little bit extra tre before getting out on bail. months, two this year and careful where you put your Thankfully deportation only five weeks apart. head,” Keary said. didn’t eventuate. The Roosters “You don’t want to get The Kangaroos five- flyer also has fond memories of knocked out again,” Keary eighth has returned to his his father working three jobs to said. “Everyone would have best. He is the second favour- provide for the family. the same thought. Once ite to become the first player “It’s the least I can do given you’re in the heat of it, it was to win back to back Clive everything they have done for fine after a few weeks. Churchill Medals tonight. me,” Tupou said. “I was never worried “No season is going to be “Mum is the only one work- about my career. It was diffi- perfect,” Keary said. “If ing at the moment, along with cult at the time with a chance you’re waiting for it to be per- a few of my siblings, so we can’t to play for your state and fect, you’ll be waiting your get by unless I help out.” Rooster Luke Keary has changed the way he tackles after a series of head knocks miss that. It was difficult but whole career.” This moment 14 years in the making for Soliola THIS grand final moment has envision when you’re playing reflecting on his journey. “It’s RACING been 14 years in the making for first grade. You don’t realise surreal,” Soliola said. “I never Canberra’s Iosia Soliola. the hard work and a bit of luck knew if an opportunity like this SUNDAY When Ricky Stuart handed that comes into play. would come – 2016 was (our) COME DOWN TO him his debut on the wing at the “Season after season, disap- last (opportunity to play in a THE TRACK Sydney Roosters in 2005, Solio- pointment after disappoint- grand final) and that was AVAILABLE FOR la thought grand final appear- ment. You get your goals ready heartbreaking. Great entertainment so bring the whole ances basically went hand-in- and you’re ready to go again “I’m thinking about past family along or a group of mates FUNCTIONS hand with being an NRL player. but it just doesn’t happen.” players I’ve spoken to. I think TEAR THIS AND PARTIES After all, he had arrived into Although today will be his about when I was at the Roost- VOUCHER OUT FOR a Roosters side that had just first NRL grand final appear- ers, thinking I’ve got a long ca- ONE FREE ADULT ENTRY ON ANY completed a third consecutive ance, his five-year spell with St reer ahead of me and being RACE NIGHT. grand final appearance. So he Helens in England yielded a optimistic. Before you know it, waited. And waited. But that title in 2014. I’m 33. That’s the message I try sort of success – and grand final When he returned to and tell guys like Corey Hors- Gates open from 4pm. Up to 11 races on the pprogram.rogram. 89843167 appearances – never came dur- in 2015, it again was Stuart who burgh and . Enjoy a meal at the Raceway ReRestaurantt with an extensive menu to ing Soliola’s five-year stint at handed him another debut – “I’ve waited 14 years to get pick from. How about booking a table in our club room, just sit back 15 HOOK ROAD the Sydney club. this time for the Canberra to this stage. Those guys have and relax with friends and enjoy the action on and off track. Bar/Tab WINNELLIE “I thought grand finals hap- Raiders. Soliola said he had done it in their first year. Em- service available from 5.00pm with the Raceway Restaurant taking Email [email protected] pen,” Soliola said. “It’s how you spent plenty of time recently brace it.” orders from 6.00pm. for more details V1 - NTNE01Z01MA