Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton has capped off an incredible 2024 by announcing his engagement to Chloe Esegbona in a heartfelt public proposal outside of one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
The announcement came during Crichton’s off-season break in the UK, where he proposed on the steps of Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
‘Cannot wait to make you my wife,’ Crichton wrote on Instagram, sharing the moment with his 94,000 followers.
‘You brighten up every room that you walk in and make me a better man. 17.12.24 – luckiest guy in the world – forever love #chloecrit.’
Esegbona, holding a takeaway coffee at the time, was caught completely off guard.
‘No you”re not, oh my god,’ she beamed.
Angus Crichton and his new fiancé Chloe Esegbona pose outside of Manchester’s Midland Hotel
Crichton took his partner by surprise with the proposal while the couple were on holiday
Esegbona shows off her engagement ring as the couple celebrate in Manchester
The post attracted congratulations from a host of footy stars including Cody Walker, Matt Burton, Victor Radley, Bradman Best, Dylan Edwards, Reuben Cotter and Luke Keary.
Plenty more including Pat Carrigan, Cameron Murray, Connor Watson, Mitch Moses, Sam Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary liked the post.
The happy couple’s announcement also included reactions from sports stars from other codes, including athletics ace Peter Bol and Australian Test cricket star Nathan Lyon.
This engagement follows a stellar season for Crichton, where he was awarded the Brad Fittler Medal for leading NSW to victory in the State of Origin series.
The 28-year-old also secured a two-year contract extension with the Roosters, ensuring his place at the club until 2026.
Crichton’s personal life has not always been smooth. In 2022, he split from Olympian Morgan Mitchell and faced significant mental health challenges in the following year.
During an overseas holiday, Crichton experienced a manic episode, later attributed to his bipolar disorder.
‘It’s called a manic episode,’ Crichton said afterward.
Crichton reclaimed his State of Origin jersey and was man of the series in a victorious campaign
Crichton was also recalled to the Australian Kangaroos for the Pacific Championships
‘I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t thinking clearly or making good decisions. No one got hurt, no one got injured, but I was super energetic and very different to my normal self.’
While traveling in Europe, Crichton’s mental health deteriorated, culminating in a police incident in Paris where he was tasered and taken to a mental health facility.
‘The police had just tasered me … they strapped me to this stretcher and tasered me. Imagine if you had a bunch of policemen and paramedics trying to strap you to a bed for what you thought was no reason,’ Crichton said.
Crichton’s parents flew to France to support him, helping him return to Australia to receive ongoing treatment.
With the right care and medication, Crichton has made a remarkable recovery. His return to the NRL saw him rise from reserve grade to winning the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal in the 2024 State of Origin series.
Despite narrowly missing a grand final with the Roosters, Crichton ended his year with selection in the Australian squad. His resilience and determination have inspired many.
When asked for advice, Crichton emphasised the importance of seeking help.
‘Don’t be too proud,’ he urged.
‘As men, as athletes and as footy players, 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 that you’re probably not where you need to be and get the help you need. Once you do that, the people will respond and react differently to how you built it up.’
Help is just a phone call away: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 Headspace – 1800 650 890
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