- Angus Crichton has won the Brad Fittler Medal
- Crichton has completed a remarkable two-year transformation
- He struggled with mental health issues but was the Blues’ best player.
Angus Crichton went from the NSW Cup to the best in NSW and was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues’ most valuable player in their State of Origin series victory.
Crichton received the prestigious honour at a gala dinner at The Star in Sydney on Monday night, capping an incredible turnaround for the Sydney Roosters star.
Crichton, who was relegated to the NSW Cup reserves at the start of the season, returned to the NRL in round three and has been the league’s best back-rower this year.
He won the Wally Lewis Medal for best player in the Origin series, before being voted New South Wales’ best player by players and coaching staff.
Following a series in which he threatened rival Daly Cherry-Evans and left his mark on the Maroons, Crichton was also named the fans’ player of the year for New South Wales.
The 28-year-old averaged 162 metres per game, made 61 tackles in the series, had 10 sacks and two line-breaking assists.
Perhaps most impressive has been Crichton’s recovery, after spending time away from the game last year for personal reasons and detailing his battle with bipolar disorder.
Captain Jake Trbojevic was awarded the True Blue Medal after leading NSW to a series win in his first year as captain.
Jaime Chapman has been named the New South Wales Women’s Origin Player of the Year after the Gold Coast winger shined in the Blues’ series-opening win.
Angus Crichton has completed his remarkable comeback with a major award
The New South Wales Blues star was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal for his Origin performances
New South Wales dominated the first game and a half of the series, but were still defeated 2-1 by Queensland.
Newcastle second-row Yasmin Clydsdale has been honoured with the Sky Blues Women’s Award.
COMPLETE LIST OF 2024 BRAD FITTLER MEDAL WINNERS
Brad Fittler Medal: Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
True Blue Medal: Jake Trbojevic (Manly)
Audience Award: Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast)
New South Wales State of Origin Player of the Year: Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast)
Sky Blues Award: Yasmin Clydsdale (Newcastle)
Men’s U19 Homegrown Player of the Year: Chevy Stewart (Canberra)
Women’s Under-19 Player of the Year: Kasey Reh (Illawarra)
NSW Cup Player of the Year: Adam Cook (Canberra)
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year: Leilani Wilson (Wentworthville)