South Sydney star Angus Crichton has had his finger amputated to ensure he’s ready for the 2018 NRL season.
Crichton’s manager David Rawlings confirmed the back-rower had had the middle finger on his left hand amputated.
Crichton earlier this week confirmed he had signed a three-year deal to join the Sydney Roosters from 2019.
The 21-year-old had been told he needed more surgery on the digit, which would mean a three-month layoff.
Instead of surgery, Crichton opted for amputation after being troubled constantly in recent years by the finger.
“My finger has been an ongoing injury I’ve had since I was playing in the under-20s,” Crichton told the PlayersVoice website earlier this month.
“… A while back, I got it fused. I’ve got no knuckle in it.
“The doctor said I could either cut it off halfway or fuse it. I’ve had it fused several times now because I keep breaking it.
“I can’t bend the finger, so it’s like I’m constantly giving people the bird. If I clench my fist, my middle finger sticks out.”
After his fourth fusion surgery, Crichton pledged it would be the last such operation.
“I’m going to have it cut it in half because I’m just over it,” he said.
Crichton joins others prominent sportspeople including former AFL players Daniel Chick and Brett Backwell in amputating a finger to continue their careers.
Chick had his left ring finger amputated in 2002 after frequent dislocations and, four years later, won a premiership with West Coast.
Backwell played AFL with Carlton and, after returning to South Australia’s state league, had his left ring finger amputated in 2005 – a year later, he won the SA state’s league Magarey Medal for best-and-fairest in the competition.
Chook
Guest
Motor neurone disease runs in their family!!! Collectively they would have the worst hands in the league. I wonder??
BeastieBoy
Guest
This is a Real Bad Look for the NRL looking to attract Mums and their sons to the game.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
If only there was a futures market in SuperCoach. A short sell on Crichton’s starting price would be the trade of the year with him having a finger cut off and a Roosters contract signed for 2019.
Mushi
Guest
He might have gotten Jimmy to remove it with a nibble
Jimmmy
Guest
James Graham could get the top knuckle of that pointing finger removed.
rebel
Roar Guru
I though he had new ones transplanted from a doner, but there was a mix up and he got the feet instead.
Mosquito
Guest
The barry Magnificent
The Barry
Roar Guru
George Burgess has had both his hands amputated and he’s still playing...
The Barry
Roar Guru
That’s pretty hard core. The Roosters should apply for salary cap relief as they’re getting less than what they paid for...???