Angus Crichton has turned career-best form into a two-year contract extension at the Sydney Roosters after months of speculation as to his playing future.
The second-rower had long been linked with a return to his boyhood code of rugby union and had publicly questioned his future at the Roosters amid the club's ultimately failed pursuit of David Fifita earlier this season.
But on Monday the Roosters confirmed they had retained previously off-contract Crichton through 2026.
"I'm incredibly proud to continue my journey with the Sydney Roosters," he said.
"This team is like family to me, and so are the people within the club.
"There's honestly nowhere else I'd rather be. I feel like I still have so much more to give, and I'm committed to continuing to bring my best and to playing my role for the team."
Crichton has been one of the NRL's biggest feel-good stories this season.
Following an interrupted 2023 campaign, he began the year in reserve grade and apparently out of favour at the Roosters.
But since returning to the first-grade side in round three, Crichton has recaptured his best form on the left edge and helped the Roosters charge into the top four through 17 rounds.
He has scored seven tries in 12 appearances this campaign and averaged 124 run metres.
Crichton was also a stand-out player for NSW in a big win over Queensland in the second State of Origin match late last month.
"I really value 'Gus' as a player, and as a person, so I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him over the next few years," said Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
Crichton appeared odds-on to leave the Roosters when the club made an offer to lure fellow second-rower Fifita from Gold Coast for 2025.
Penrith had been monitoring Crichton's situation and was interested in making a play after Fifita turned down the triple reigning premiers.
But when Fifita also backflipped on his agreement to join the Roosters, the door appeared open and funds available to retain Crichton.
He will turn 30 just before the final season of his new contract.