Roosters teammates have called for the club to find a way to retain off-contract star Angus Crichton as the edge forward moves closer to a return to the Origin arena.
The former NSW and Australian representative's future at the club was under a cloud after the Roosters agreed to terms with Titans star David Fifita on a deal commencing in 2025, but that remains to be seen following the Maroons star's decision to sensationally remain on the Gold Coast.
Veteran Victor Radley has watched the forward develop into a representative star while youngster Terrell May has formed a close bond with Crichton during their time together at the Roosters and hopes he remains at the club.
"I have a lot of love for Angus," May said. "He had a lot of love for me when I first came here. He's one of the day one boys that I look up to.
"I love Angus and I wish he stays but no one wants to be second to anyone, so I hope he does what's best for him."
May credits Crichton for helping him settle in at the Roosters when he arrived at the club in 2022.
For a boy who grew up in Penrith, Sydney's Eastern Suburbs can feel like a different world and Crichton was quick to reach out and form a relationship.
The mentorship helped May settle in at the Roosters and he has developed into a key cog in the club's forward pack.
"It's very good for players like that to help establish the young'uns coming through and make you feel welcome," May said.
"I didn't really know anyone here when I first came and he made me feel welcome. All the other boys did too but I felt like Gussy went out of his way to get to know me. That's why I've got a lot of love for him and I hope he stays."
Crichton continues his outstanding form
The Roosters have enjoyed a purple patch in recent weeks, scoring 138 points on their way to three wins in their last three games.
May and Crichton have played a key role in that surge, rocketing into NSW State of Origin calculations in the process.
Radley labelled Crichton the benchmark back-rower in the competition and urged Blues coach Michael Maguire to name the forward when he announces his team after round 12.
"He definitely should be there," Radley said. "He's been so hard to handle. He's done it before, he was the Australian back-rower in the World Cup, he's world class so he should be there."
As for May, he's currently focused on helping the Roosters continue their impressive run of form when they take on the table-topping Sharks in a Magic Round showdown on Saturday night.
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Should a Blues debut follow, he will grab it with both hands.
"It feels good [to be in the mix] but my focus is here," May said. "Obviously you dream about playing Origin when you're younger and if it comes it comes, if it doesn't it doesn't.
"I just have to keep playing good and wait for it."
NSW will name their Origin team for Game One on the Monday following Round 12 ahead of the series opener on June 5.