ANGUS Crichton expected to be bagged by the fans.

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.

Round 19

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After signing a lucrative deal with the Roosters a year out from making the move, the Souths star opened his Instagram account.

“As a player it’s part of your job to expect that heat and that kind of reaction from fans,” Crichton told Fox Sports.

“That’s part of making your decision you’ve got to be prepared for that.

Angus Crichton of the Rabbitohs is tackled. Source: Getty Images

“It was hard having people say ‘I hope you die on the field this year’ but it’s part of the game I guess. That’s what it is.”

The massive volume of comments he got — in excess of 100 messages — isn’t out of the norm but comments wishing harm on players certainly are.

“Hope he dies,” one person wrote underneath his most recent photo.

Crichton continues reading. The abuse goes on.

‘You’ll be remembered for being a traitor ... money hungry, disloyal disgrace ... sell-out dog ... f**k Angus and the Roosters ... I thought you were a decent person, obviously not ... my favourite player is now my most hated player in a second ... greedy, shallow and two-faced ... sellout dog.’

He hadn’t been in a fight, put hands on a female, failed a drugs test, delivered a racial slur or got behind the wheel after drinking.

Alex Johnston celebrates with his teammate Angus Crichton. Source: Getty Images

His crime? Signing with a rival team.

Close friend and former Rabbitohs teammate Jack Gosiewski has read the comments.

Now at Manly after the club declined to offer him a new contract at the end of last season, the backrower knows too well how fickle professional sport can be.

Lengthy deals don’t come around for everyone.

Gosiewski has only ever signed 12-month deals at a time so he can’t fault his mate for accepting the Roosters’ three-year offer.

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“He’s been copping some slack from people,” Gosiewski told foxsports.com.au.

“Some of the stuff they’ve said to him has been ridiculous. I reckon he’ll be good over there (at the Roosters).

“I don’t understand why people speak to him the way they do when he’s trying to set himself up for life and do what’s best for his footy career.

Sam Burgess, Adam Reynolds and Angus Crichton celebrate a victory. Source: News Corp Australia

“I don’t think they look into it. They’re disappointed he’s leaving Souths but he’s setting up his life and career. I feel sorry for the fact people say the stuff to him they do.

“Being a footy player, it doesn’t matter how good you’re going, there’s always going to be people giving it to you. It’s about how you take it and he’s taken it pretty well.”

Crichton only recently celebrated his 22nd birthday.

But while he’s young in years, he’s mature in the mind.

That’s why after he made his decision to sign with the Roosters he flew to Coffs Harbour to tell Russell Crowe his decision in person. He then told all his teammates.

“Everyone in the team has been there. Greg came to Souths from Melbourne, Sam came to Souths from England and went to rugby union, the only one really is Sutto and Reyno who have been at Souths their whole life,” Crichton said.

Angus Crichton in action. Source: News Corp Australia

“I told them before it came out in the media and told the boys before it came out in the media. They’re all fine with it and they all understand how sport is these days.

“They understand how it works and love the club and squad enough that this year is no different for me. If anything, it’s more motivation for me to succeed.”

Still a Rabbit this season, the emerging Blue has pledged to give it his all. Missing half a finger as he was tired of the countless surgeries to repair the damage, he’s committed to playing out the year in cardinal and myrtle whether his abusers like it or not.

“For those people that still are fans of mine and still do support me even though I’m leaving, they’re the Souths fans I want to play extra hard for this season,” Crichton said.

“They’re the ones I owe to have the best year of my life in 2018.”