Angus Crichton first tried to get his way into Sydney Roosters’ premiership celebrations 17 years ago.

It was the night they beat the Warriors in 2002, and aged just six bouncers at Easts Leagues politely told he and his father he was 12 years too young.

“I was a big Roosters fan growing up,” Crichton said.

“I was at the 2002 (grand final). I remember getting the bus back to Easts Leagues and waiting out the front. I was with my old man.

“They wouldn’t let me in because I would have been six. My godfather went in and I told my dad to but he waited with me.”

Crichton still has vivid memories from outside the club that night.

A coaster signed by Craig Fitzgibbon and secured by his godfather had pride of place in his room as a souvenir right through primary school.

Fitzgibbon is now his assistant coach at the Roosters, and the pair have since laughed about the situation.

So too is there a link between Crichton and winger Brett Morris.

Crichton, bound for Souths’ training squad in 2015, spotted the then-St George Illawarra winger sitting in front of him at the 2014 grand final.

He asked him for a selfie and it remains on his social media feed until this day, even as the pair prepare to line up together in Sunday night’s decider.

“He was there watching his brother (Josh) play (for Canterbury). I remember I got a selfie with him before the game,” Crichton said.

“An NRL grand final is something as a fan and as a kid I have always wanted to be out there.

“I’ve been watching since I was a little kid and always wanted to be out there. To have the opportunity, it’s time to shape up and get ready.”

If Crichton helps the Roosters to their 15th title on Sunday over Canberra, he’ll be the man being asked for selfies.

And there’s no chance he’ll be denied entry to the celebrations at Bondi.

But the back-rower’s ride to his maiden decider hasn’t been easy.

He’s endured a rollercoaster year in his first season at his childhood club, including being dropped by Brad Fittler from NSW’s State of Origin side.

“But that’s rugby league and sport,” Crichton said.

“It’s the sort of thing that builds you as a person. It builds character. I guess assures you of the kind of guy you want to be.

“It’s definitely been challenging at times. The challenges make where we’re standing right now and what we’re about to go in even sweeter.”