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Panthers centre Stephen Crichton has informed the club that he will not be signing a new deal with the back-to-back premiers, paving the way for a lucrative move elsewhere in 2024.
His contract expires at the end of 2023 and a signing battle had been expected, which will now go into overdrive as several clubs fight for his services.
Cameron Ciraldo’s Bulldogs are considered to be top of the pile, with the former Panthers assistant willing to offer Crichton the chance to play fullback – and earn fullback money – if he makes the switch to Belmore.
The Panthers had been confident that they could make the Samoan international a competitive offer to remain at Penrith past 2023 but were delayed by salary cap uncertainty.
“Although Panthers is disappointed by the outcome, the club respects Stephen’s decision, and understands the situation is exacerbated by salary cap pressure based on the club’s recent success,” said Matt Cameron, CEO of the Panthers.
“The club thanks Stephen for his efforts and is looking forward to seeing him represent the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”
The player himself reiterated his commitment to the club for this season, in which he will go for a third consecutive premiership.
“It was the hardest decision to make, but now my full focus is on the 2023 season and finishing my time at Panthers as strong as I can,” said Crichton.
“It’s going to be tough to leave my teammates, but we will have our chance to make more memories this year. I know my friendships at Panthers won’t finish here but will last forever.”
Dominic Young. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
In further signing news, new Souths assistant Sam Burgess has been putting the hard sell on his fellow Englishman, Knights winger Dom Young, according to Nine.
Young, one of the breakout stars of the 2022 NRL and a new hero back home after his performances for England at the Rugby League World Cup, is free to speak to other clubs and has been heavily courted by several leading names.
Burgess is said to have met with Young several times in recent weeks, and Souths would likely have salary cap space with no new incomings in 2022 and player retention their main focus this off-season.
The Knights are also set to announce the signing of former Australians Sevens Olympian Lachie Miller, who will join from the Cronulla Sharks.
Miller made sporadic appearances in the NRL last year, but was a standout at NSW Cup level and, at the age of 27, is seeking greater opportunities to be involved in first grade.
His arrival in the Hunter will pave the way for a permanent shift to the halves for captain Kalyn Ponga, with Miller given firist crack at the jumper ahead of young Englishman Bailey Hodgson and ahead of the transfer of Huddersfield young gun Will Pryce, who will move to Australia at the end of the 2023 Super League season.
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