Crichton returned for a 30-minute stint in the Roosters' semi-final win over Cronulla, and is expected to play a similar part against the Dolphins on Friday.
One of the Roosters' best in recent years, Crichton has admitted he may struggle to get through 80 minutes after surgery on a stress-related foot fracture in June.
He spent eight weeks on crutches, and eventually met the surgeon's prediction of a 12-week return to play by coming back against the Sharks.
But the Australian Test star spent the past three months fearing his NRL career could be over, with a code switch to union looming next year.
"This is who I am, this is my life and I've been in this club for eight years now," Crichton said.
"I love this club, I love the boys, I'm so determined to come back and be part of this.
"There were definitely dark times and tough days but at the end of the day that's part and parcel of being a pro athlete.
"You've got to dust yourself off and get on with the job ahead, find different ways to make it work."
Crichton ran 88 metres and busted four tackles in his stint off the bench, after having been an 80-minute starting backrower since early 2024.
But with Salesi Foketi and Suia Wong both in form as starting second-rowers, the unfamiliar impact role is one Crichton is happy to fill.
"I'm not expecting to walk straight into that (starting) role. I'm a big believer in the team and whatever the team needs," Crichton said.
"I (was) still sore (afterwards) but playing that kamikaze role off the bench I thought I'd be able to deliver. Especially when the adrenaline hits.
"It was just about bringing the energy. I only got on for 30 minutes but for 30 minutes I was going as hard as I can to give the boys and that bit of a lift."
Crichton won a premiership in his first season at the Roosters in 2019, with the Tri-colours having played finals every year since without making a decider.
That can change come Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
"There's only one way I want to leave this club," Crichton said.
"It's been a long time since we've done much as a club at the Roosters.
"I've had success with the Kangaroos, had success with the Blues. That's all great but the Roosters are my brothers and that's where our bread is buttered.
"This club deserves success and it demands success."
