Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues back-rower Angus Crichton has revealed how he kept every jersey he was issued for the State of Origin series this season to turn them into gifts for his family.
Crichton revealed the heartfelt gesture on the Hello Sport podcast after reliving the excitement he felt about being part of the new-look team that ended a four-year Origin drought.
The Sydney Roosters back-rower was one of 13 new faces used by coach Brad Fittler during the course of the three-game series.
All players were issued with two jerseys for each game and Crichton said he had sent them to be framed with a photograph and message he penned himself for his immediate family – apart from one special one he kept for himself.
"I sent through what I wanted on it, sent him all the pictures and wrote a little message," Crichton said.
"I got one for mum, dad, my grandma, and my grandma and grandpa on the other side with a little message saying thank you for everything.
"I've kept the game two one that I wore, just to keep, that's the one that we won it in."
Crichton, 22, also said there were plenty of emotional moments for him during the series including seeing his father holding back tears after making his debut for Game One at the MCG.
"I was obviously overwhelmed, my whole family was there, just seeing my family after and my Dad holding back tears," Crichton said.
"Running out on to the MCG, first time going there, I hadn't been there for any sports there.
"That was probably the biggest crowd I've ever seen so to play in front of that ... I was nervous but I was on the bench and ran out and just relaxed and took it all in. If I had stayed nervous, twitching my fingers, all my energy gets zapped, I just forced myself to chill out and relax."
