Angus Crichton

Sadly it’s become part of being a professional athlete.

When you’re on social media, that direct access to abuse is only intensified.

But he never expected some sick and twisted individual to wish death on him.

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Crichton was one of 38 players selected by Fittler to take part in the emerging Blues camp held in Sydney on Saturday, and his decision to amputate a finger in the off-season in a bid to play for the Bunnies in round one resulted in a glowing endorsement from the Blues' mentor.

Fittler was quick to talk up Crichton's chances of a representative debut, while also commenting on the in-demand forward's move to the Sydney Roosters from 2019.

"He sacrificed a finger, so anyone who does that for a game of rugby league is going to do good things," Fittler said.  

Crichton has suffered problems with his left middle finger for a number of years and was recently told he would need further surgery, ruling him out for another three months.

But the 21-year-old instead opted to have the digit amputated, his manager David Rawlings confirmed to Fox Sports Australia.

Crichton had been left with no knuckle on the finger, which made it susceptible to being broken, something that had happened on multiple occasions over the last two years.